Following a massive defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) convened on Friday in New Delhi. During this crucial meeting, Party President Mallikarjun Kharge decisively declared that accountability will be enforced and tough decisions will be made. He also commented on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), expressing concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, and announced that Congress will launch a nationwide movement against this issue.
The Congress President asserted that the EVMs have now made the electoral process suspicious, and ensuring free and fair elections is a constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission. On Friday, top leaders of Congress gathered to scrutinize the political situation of the country, discussing the party's poor performance in the Maharashtra and Haryana elections, with several leaders raising allegations of 'irregularities' in the electoral process.
The committee resolved to address the concerns about 'severe compromise' in the electoral process through a national movement. The party also stated that it plans to involve coalition partners from the 'India' alliance in this endeavor.
Both leaders engaged in conversation during the CWC meeting.
'Tough Decisions Must Be Made'
Party chief Kharge stressed the need for 'tough decisions' in light of electoral defeats and the setting of accountability. He highlighted the importance of learning from election results, though he admitted the EVM has cast the electoral process into suspicion. The Congress chief also questioned how long party state leaders will rely on national issues and leaders during assembly elections.
He underscored that Congress is a party of resistance and urged party leaders to trust in this belief. The marathon meeting lasted over four hours and saw the participation of 81 leaders.
Rahul Gandhi's Call to Action
Rahul Gandhi urged Kharge to 'act decisively' in light of the party's poor election results. According to PTI, when accountability in elections was being emphasized, Rahul Gandhi stated, 'Kharge Ji, take action.'
The notice pertains to comments about the scandal.
Internal Conflict's Damage - Kharge
Kharge took aim at internal discord within Congress, saying, 'The most crucial point I keep repeating is that lack of unity and infighting significantly harm us. Until we unite in elections and cease internal conflicts, how can we expect to politically defeat our opponents?' He emphasized the need for the party to effectively counter the 'propaganda and misinformation' of adversaries.
Kharge stated, 'It is essential that we strictly adhere to discipline... The party possesses the tool of discipline. However, we do not wish to constrain our workers.' As for the Maharashtra elections, he remarked, 'Six months ago, the atmosphere was in our favor during Lok Sabha elections. But having the atmosphere in our favor alone does not guarantee victory. We need to learn to convert atmosphere into results. Why can't we capitalize on it?'
He stressed, 'We must develop strategies in a timely manner with adequate effort. We have to reinforce our organization at the booth level. From compiling voter lists to vote counting, we must remain vigilant and alert throughout. Our preparation should ensure that our workers and the system operate diligently from the start to the finish.'
Chidambaram Stands for EVM
During discussions, some leaders critiqued those opposing the party chief's stance against EVMs and expressed that it harmed the leadership and raised issues' credibility. Following Kharge's skepticism regarding EVMs and the poll process, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram spoke in favor of EVMs.
This indicates Shinde's strategic positioning in state politics.
Party General Secretary Communication In-charge Jairam Ramesh announced that there will be movements and rallies regarding the concerns over the electoral process, including participation from the India Block parties. Addressing a press conference with party general secretary Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera, organization secretary C Veugopalyn mentioned that the CWC decided to form internal committees to evaluate electoral performances and organizational matters.
After Haryana, panel members will also visit Maharashtra to engage with local leaders and workers to assess losses. Regarding the Maharashtra Assembly election outcomes, Veugopalyn stated that the state’s polling results are 'beyond common understanding and seem to be a clear case of calculated manipulation.'
The CWC proposal recognized that Congress' performance in Haryana defied all expectations. The proposal indicated 'electoral anomalies occurred that have been overlooked, affecting the state results.' The CWC 'acknowledged' the startling performance of Congress and its Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The Congress Working Committee shared, 'The party must continue enhancing its narrative. This involves ensuring full social justice through a caste census, lifting the 50% reservation cap for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs, controlling rising monopolies within the economy through political advocacy, and addressing incessant price hikes and escalating unemployment.'
Continued political maneuvers within the state leadership dynamics.
In the 88-member Maharashtra Assembly elections, Congress registered its poorest portrayal by winning merely 16 seats. Its MVA affiliates, Sharad Pawar's NCP and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena garnered merely 10 and 20 seats respectively. The CWC holds hope and trust that Mallikarjun Kharge will soon conduct thorough state-wise evaluations and undertake required actions.
