BHOPAL: In a programme organised to observe former PM Rajiv Gandhi’s death anniversary at PCC office, two senior Congress leaders – PCC president Arun Yadav and leader of opposition Satyadev Katare – had arguments over decline in party discipline after the recent poll drubbing.
Katare who spoke first in the programme, said, “Change the system and show your rights to tackle indiscipline and put a ban on statements leaders make against the party. Otherwise, the party would continue to be in opposition in coming ten years.”
As Katare finished, Yadav got up and started his speech asking not to preach. He said leaders should introspect. “Netao ko apne gireba mai jhakna chahiye,” he said without refering to Katare’s speech.After the poll rout in two consecutive elections, the two Congress leaders seem to be at loggerheads for the first time.
Addressing Yadav, Katare said, “Being a youth leader in the party, you should show the courage like your father Subhash Yadav, a former PCC president, for tough decision in the party. He also said the Congress workers had caused damage to the party.In his speech, Yadav asked workers not to be discouraged from the poll defeat. “The party was in power for ten years before. There is need to strengthen the organisation at grassroots level and continue struggle for the common man. Congress workers and leaders should realise their responsibilities.”
Before the programme, Katare, Yadav and PCC vice president Rameshwar Nihkra had a closed door meeting. They are learnt to have discussed the issue related with the letter written by Congress candidate Dr Govind Singh and subsequent letter by another Congress candidate Imarti Devi.
In the evening, Yadav issued a letter addressed to Dr Singh and Imarti Devi and district presidents of Guna, Shivpuri and Morena, asking them not to talk with media on party-related issues. Yadav said it would be considered as indiscipline and invite strong action. Copy of this letter was sent to all district presidents.p-11
