Polls near, Cong pulls up its socks

It is going to be Congress’ kickoff for the November elections at Ambedkar Stadium tomorrow. And the party is doing what it has never d...

It is going to be Congress’ kickoff for the November elections at Ambedkar Stadium tomorrow. And the party is doing what it has never done before — gathering 8,000 of its block presidents in one place. Congress president Sonia Gandhi is going to sit with them for two whole days to get their feedback on what should be done to revitalise the party and win the coming elections.

Sonia wrote personally to each of the block presidents and 1,000 district presidents to invite them to the convention. Since then, these block chiefs have been moving around with the letter stuck prominently in their pockets. And now it is they who will tell their chief what is wrong with the party and what should be the line of action to correct the situation.

‘‘Yes, it is a political event and it shows the preparation of the Congress and the organisational strength and spread of the party, which is unmatched,’’ said Ambika Soni, political secretary to Sonia. ‘‘Elections are coming and the issues discussed here will also be raised in the poll campaign though I can’t say the convention is geared only to the elections.’’

Story continues below this ad

Sonia has been reportedly concerned that while the party has been winning elections in state after state, its tally went down in the 1998 and 1999 Lok Sabha elections.

‘‘We don’t know whether the BJP is planning to advance the Lok Sabha polls, but we do not want to be caught napping,’’ said a senior leader.

The Delhi unit of the party has gone in for a major mobilisation for the convention and it is using the opportunity of the March 29 “Desh Bachao” rally that is being planned at the Ramlila grounds.

Sonia has clearly set out four themes as Congress’ ‘‘constructive agenda’’ — the empowerment of women, Dalits and youth, the problem of unemployment and the farmers’ issues — and the convention will focus on these.

Modi will address a rally in the district and open the Purnea airport that will provide air connectivity to several metro cities, fulfilling a longstanding demand in the Seemanchal region.

PM Modi to open Purnea airport, launch Makhana Board in Monday’s visit to poll-bound Bihar

India3 hr ago

PM Modi will visit Purnea, Bihar, on Monday to inaugurate projects worth Rs 36,000 crore, including an airport and launch the National Makhana Board. The visit is aimed at boosting development and addressing the neglected Seemanchal region. PM will also announce projects worth Rs 35,461 crore and distribute benefits to beneficiaries under different schemes.

View all shorts

Live Blog