Winnability: Sonia lends ear to ground

Adhering to an unwritten party code, most state election committees, including those in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Punjab, had passed the resolution leaving the selection of candidates to Sonia. This is, however, contrary to the procedure laid out by the AICC that requires the state election committees to make recommendations.

Following the AICC procedure becomes impossible for state units where factional rivalry makes a consensus on any one candidate for a seat almost impossible. This had made this ‘‘one-line resolution’’ a favourite way out for not just selection of candidates but also for selection of CLP leaders.

At the same time, this ploy has also been useful for those seeking a chance to show their loyalty to the party chief. However, Sonia has clearly sent out the message that the high command is in no mood for such traditions. This should take away the argument from local leaders that a candidate was ‘‘thrust’’ upon the constituency or that candidates who ‘‘could approach Delhi and AICC’’ landed tickets. At the AICC level, with inputs coming in on every candidate, both sitting and new, the parameters of winnability could become more practical and less speculative.

AICC general secretary Ambika Soni said state election committees have been asked to submit their recommendations on each seat by February 22, following which the first meeting of the Central Election Committee will be held. ‘‘The CED would then conduct an assessment of sitting MPs,’’ she said. While most sitting MPs could be repeated, the report of the district-level leaders is being awaited. ‘‘Even at the Punjab coordination committee meeting today, the state leaders were told that they must give inputs on who they consider as the winning candidate,’’ she said.