Major revamp in Cong on cards

Tribune News Service

Shimla, June 11

Having taken feedback from legislators and four party candidates, who lost the Lok Sabha elections, AICC secretary Rajni Patil today said the Congress organisational structure would be revamped following the poll debacle.

“I will submit the report based on the feedback that I have taken from the candidates, MLAs and other party leaders to the high command so that we can pinpoint the reasons for the defeat in the parliamentary polls,” said Patil, while addressing a press conference here. She, however, refused to divulge the details of the feedback given to her by party leaders, stating that it would first be given to the high command.

However, she admitted that there was demand from many sections of the party for a revamp but the final decision would be taken by the party high command. “All four candidates have given to me in writing the reasons for their defeat and the Congress will take drastic steps,” she said.

Some people would love to write off the Congress as they had done in the past but the party would bounce back with zeal and commitments. State Congress president Kuldeep Rathore and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Mukesh Agnihotri were also present on the occasion.

Patil said the Congress would identify the shortcomings and take corrective measures so that party could win back the confidence of the electorate. “The Congress believes in inclusive politics where we will take everyone along and admit our own faults and try to address them,” she said. Action would be taken against party leaders who, through their statements, damaged the party’s poll prospects.

Patil said as she had been entrusted with the responsibility of Himachal just eight months back and the state Congress president was named four months back. She was not aware of the corrective measures that had been taken after the Congress defeat in the 2017 Assembly elections.

‘Party will bounce back’

• AICC secretary Rajni Patil said the Congress will identify the shortcomings and take corrective measures. 
• The Congress believes in inclusive politics where we will take everyone along.
• Action will be taken against party leaders who through their statements damaged the party’s poll prospects.
• Some people would love to write off the Congress but the party will bounce back.