Cong ticket seekers in Guj to pledge not to turn ‘traitor’

New Delhi, March 27

Congress ticket aspirants in Gujarat will take an oath in public not to turn a “traitor” in the event of denial of nomination and work for the party’s official candidate.

The decision was taken after a suggestion was made by the 1,500 odd aspirants for tickets for Assembly polls due later this year, a senior party leader from the state said.

He said the aspiring candidates told the meeting earlier this month that they will not turn traitors and contest as independents even if denied nomination. He said the aspirants would take a pledge to this effect before their workers.

The move, he said, is aimed at reducing the chances of ticket seekers turning rebel candidates following denial of party nomination.

The meeting was held after the Assembly poll in UP where the party suffered a humiliating defeat winning just seven of the state’s 403 seats.

AICC general secretary in-charge of the state Gurudas Kamat was also present during the meet besides other senior leaders.

Earlier, in the West Bengal Assembly elections, the party’s state unit had got ticket aspirants to sign affidavits swearing loyalty to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi.

In Punjab, too, the Congress asked aspiring candidates to sign a document pledging they will continue to work for the party even if denied ticket.

The incidents prompted rival parties to say the Congress was “forcing” loyalty on its workers. — PTI