The Uttar Pradesh Youth Congress has asked its officebearers who have crossed 35 years of age to vacate their office. While some states have already enforced the age bar, it is being done in UP for the first time.
The four zonal heads of the state Youth Congress, who were personally selected by AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi in a talent search process, have been asked to identify such office-bearers in their zones and convey the message to them.
In the Lucknow zone, about 25 Youth Congress office-bearers above 35 have been identified, sources said.
?They have to leave Youth Congress. The reason is simple, Rahulji is serious about giving a chance to fresh blood for his 2012 mission in UP,? said a Youth Congress leader.
Sources said that some old-timers have not welcomed the suggestion, but no one is speaking openly because they don?t want to be seen to go against Rahul Gandhi?s idea.
?We worked hard to strengthen the organisation even after the state body of the Indian Youth Congress was dissolved in UP two years back.
Now when the Congress is reviving in UP, they are asking us to leave,? grumbled one.
Pankaj Tiwari, president of Lucknow zone, said nobody was being asked to leave. ?If these people still want to be part of the youth wing, they can always guide us from outside with their valuable experience.??
He said, ?The age bar for the National Students Union of India is 27 years. After that, they are expected to become part of the Youth Congress. After 35, he or she is expected to join the Congress. It is just being implemented properly now.?
Around two years ago, the Youth Congress in UP was dissolved as 75% of its members were reportedly found to be over-age. Nevertheless, office-bearers continued to function. Rahul wanted to revamp the organisation, but could not because of the Lok Sabha elections. The process has now been taken up.
?We have been asked to complete the revamp as soon as possible. We have decided to choose our new district and city presidents by June 30. In the first week of July, these presidents will form their own committees??, informed Tiwari.
