The relaunch of vice-president Rahul Gandhi has disappointed Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee leaders as they were sidelined by the senior leaders.
Congress’s plan to revive its sagging fortunes by addressing a Kisan rally at Ramlila Maidan has backfired due poor turnout at the venue. The rally was being touted as a perfect comeback vehicle for Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi who was missing from active politics for 56 days. The response to the rally was lukewarm as farmers started leaving the function midway when Sonia Gandhi started delivering speech. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee leaders were sidelined at the rally. According to sources, party workers were upset as no boarding arrangements were being made for them to participate in the rally. The rally looked more like a photo-op event to bring Rahul in the limelight. Most of the people were hired from neighbouring states and they are not undertaking agricultural activities.
Raju Waghmare, Congress state spokesperson said, “Sonia Gandhi had instructed party workers to attend the rally under the leadership of Ashok Chavan. When asked about the number of leaders who had participated in the rally he failed to reply.”
Sources said, “Sanjay Nirupan and some senior leaders participated in the rally but their presence was not acknowledged. Senior Congress leaders ignored them.”
Some leaders who had participated in the rally spoke to AV on the condition of anonymity and said, “The rally was below par due to exhibition of power by former Haryana Chief Minister Bupinder Singh Hoodah’s supporters and other leaders. It was internal power exhibition more than the public display.”
The main objective of the Congress was to promote Rahul Gandhi through the rally but they didn’t succeed. Bhupinder Singh Hooda’ s supporters booed at state unit president Ashok Tanwar. Many supporters were under the influence of alcohol. Thus Rahul’s comeback rally has invited more controversies. After the conclusion of Hooda’s speech his supporters left the rally midway. By the time Rahul started delivering speech very few people were present at the venue.
The BJP attacked Congress for misleading farmers on the Land Acquisition Amendment Bill. They said that Congress could not even come up with a better speech to target the ruling party. The saffron party said that it is working for the poor and underprivileged. BJP also said how many times the Congress party will launch and re-launch Rahul Gandhi? It also added that since farmers are involved in the crop harvesting activities hence many of them won’t be able to travel long distance to attend the rally. The special Kisan Train organised by Congress party was delayed as farmers were unable to reach the venue.
