Reports on change of guard in Lok Sabha unfounded: Congress

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 4

The Congress on Sunday described reports of change of guard in its Lok Sabha leadership as unfounded and premature, saying no decision had been taken on the issue.

“Reports of change of guard in the Congress’ Lok Sabha leadership are premature and unfounded,” said a top AICC functionary. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee president, is also the incumbent leader of the party in the Lok Sabha. The Congress normally practises the policy of one person, one post but there are many leaders who continue to hold two positions.

The talk of Chowdhury’s replacement has been rife since the Congress drew a blank in the recent West Bengal election, where he was instrumental in striking an alliance with the Left against the wishes of the TMC. He has drawn flak within the Congress for pressing an alliance with the Indian Secular Front in Bengal. Chowdhury has been an open critic of Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

In the last session too, the Congress had nominated Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu as the acting leader of Lok Sabha in the absence of Chowdhury, who was campaigning in Bengal. On reports of Chowdhury’s replacement, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera today said changes in any organisation were an ongoing affair.

Roy denies claims on Cong-TMC tango

Saugata Roy, TMC spokesperson and Lok Sabha member, has denied reports on the TMC and Congress contemplating joining hands to put up a united fight against the BJP. Roy said the reports were the creation of the media and had no basis in reality.