Congress Chintan Shivir: Facing the daunting task of revamping the party after a series of poll reverses, over 400 Congress leaders will go into a huddle at its ‘Chintan Shivir’ starting in Udaipur on Friday focusing on time-bound party restructuring, finding ways to combat politics of polarisation and getting battle-ready for upcoming electoral challenges.
The Congress has chosen six subjects and constituted groups to examine and submit their primary reports on actionables for the same, party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said. These groups are political, social justice and empowerment, economy, Congress organisation, Kisan and Khet Mazdoor and Youth. These groups will present their first impressions for a conclusive discussion during the ‘Chintan Shivir’ (brainstorming session).
Congress Chintan Shivir Live News, Congress Udaipur Meeting Live Updates
By now it has become abundantly and painfully clear what PM Modi and his colleagues really mean by their slogan 'Maximum governance, minimum government': Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi at the party's 'Nav Sankalp Chintan Shivir'
It means keeping country in a permanent state of polarisation, compelling people to live in a constant state of fear and insecurity, viciously targeting victimising and often brutalising minorities who're an integral part of our society and equal citizen of our republic: Sonia Gandhi
The Congress is considering enforcing the 'One family, one ticket' formula with the exception only when another family member has been working for at least five years in the party.
The party is also considering capping at five years holding of a post with a cooling off period of three years and setting up of an assessment wing to monitor performance of office bearers.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the start of the party's 'Chintan Shivir' on Friday, Congress general secretary Ajay Maken said “big changes” are in store for the party organisation and it will completely transform its working style going forward. PTI
I don't understand why Modi ji never comes infront of press… It is crucial we save our democracy, constitution… They try to stifle dissent. We need to protect right to free speech: Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress MP in PC during ongoing AICC Chintan Shivir
“On the one family, one ticket proposal there is near consensus. There will be an exception… the other member of the family who is seeking a ticket should have worked in the party for at least five years… five years of prior work,” AICC general secretary Ajay Maken said.
The party leadership is also likely to discuss “one family, one poll ticket” during the conclave. This was one of the suggestions floated by senior members during the meeting of the CWC on Monday to finalise the agenda of discussion for the ‘Chintan Shivir’.
Ahead of its brainstorming conclave here, the Congress asserted on Thursday that it was the principal opposition party but was conscious of its “shortcomings” and was ready to “transform” itself by working on its ideology and organisation. The party said it would introspect in the next three days to embark on a new direction by confronting various challenges and pave the way for the country’s bright future.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that there will never be a ‘Congress-mukt Bharat’ and those wishing so will themselves be decimated.
#WATCH | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, & Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, along with other party members, on their way for the 'Nav Sankalp Chintan Shivir – 2022', in Udaipur.
— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) May 13, 2022
(Video Source: AICC) pic.twitter.com/J7TnhJcAhX
The Congress top brass is actively considering a radical idea to bring new faces into leadership levels. The Indian Express quoted sources saying that the party is seriously thinking of imposing an age-ceiling for leaders to hold positions in the organisation at all levels and for contesting elections besides putting in place a term-limit for Rajya Sabha members. The idea is part of the party’s attempt to give it a “young look.”
Rajasthan | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrives in Udaipur for the party's Chintan Shivir to be held today pic.twitter.com/UrpHyfmo3j
— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) May 13, 2022
The conclave will begin with introductory remarks of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on May 13 and a valedictory address by Rahul Gandhi on May 15.
The shivir will begin Friday afternoon following which over 400 delegates will discuss subject-specific issues across six groups. These discussions will continue on the first and second day and the conclusions will be recorded in the form of a declaration, a draft of which will be discussed at the CWC meeting to be held there on the last day.
In a bid to overcome internal challenges and electoral setbacks, the Congress’ three-day conclave will focus on time-bound party restructuring for strengthening the organisation and evolving a strategy for future alliances.
Sending out a clear message to critics within the organisation, Congress president Sonia Gandhi at a CWC meeting earlier this week cautioned ahead of the session that self-criticism is needed in party forums but it should not be done to erode self-confidence and morale, as she asserted that it is time “to repay our debt to the party”.
Gandhi had also warned against ‘Chintan Shivir’ becoming a ritual and asserted that she was determined that it should herald a restructured organisation to meet the many ideological, electoral and managerial tasks it confronts.
She has sought the cooperation of all leaders in sending across the message of unity, cohesion and commitment to ensure the party’s accelerated revival, while underlining that “there are no magic wands”.
The issue of leadership in the Congress is not likely to be discussed at the Udaipur conclave, party sources said, even as several leaders at the shivir are likely to rake up the issue of Rahul Gandhi taking over the party leadership.
