No rebellion in Congress, looking for reforms, says Ghulam Nabi Azad

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday categorically denied any rebellion within the party and instead said that some leaders are looking for “reforms” aimed at revitalising the party.

“There is no rebellion in Congress party, we are looking for reform. Rebellion means replacing someone. There is no other candidate for the post of party president. This is not a rebellion. This is for reforms. We are the ones who believe in directing what is necessary (for the betterment of the party),” Azad told new agency ANI.

On being asked if Congress is going through an existential crisis, especially after the Bihar poll drubbing where the party contested 70 seats but could win only 19, Azad said, “We all are worried about losses, especially about Bihar and by-polls results. I don’t blame the leadership for the loss. Our people have lost the connection on the ground. One should have a passion for their party and to do everything for that.” He added, “There is a need to revitalise and for that, we need to think of a new formula. We have to change the system.”

Azad also criticised the 5-star culture in the Congress. “Polls are not fought by 5-star culture. The problem with leaders today is if they get a party ticket, they first book a 5-star hotel. They won’t go if there’s a rough road. Till the time 5-star culture is given up, one can’t win elections,” he said.

“Office bearers should understand their responsibility. Till the time, office bearers are appointed, they won’t go. But if all office bearers are elected, then they will under stand their responsibility. Right now, anyone gets any post in the party,” Azad said while indicating about a letter written by several Congress leaders to the Congress president in August calling for sweeping changes in the party’s functioning.

The letter reportedly mentioned many suggestions such as the need for a full-time leadership available at the national and state headquarters, conducting elections at all levels including the Congress Working Committee and state level, the formation of an Independent Election Authority, and institutional leadership mechanism to guide the party’s revival.

The Congress veteran added, till the time, there is a change in functioning at every level, things won’t change. “Leadership needs to give a programme to party workers and hold elections for posts. One should be so much indispensable that leadership asks for you in your absence,” he said.

Reiterating that he has no problem or issue against the high command of the party, he said, “I’m giving a clean chit to Gandhis due to Covid pandemic as they can’t do much right now. There’s no change in our demands. They’ve agreed to most of our demands. Our leadership should hold elections if they want to become a national alternative and revive the party.”

Azad also conceded that the Congress is at its lowest in the last 72 years. “Nobody else can become a national alternative for BJP, BJP is a national party. For a national party, your thinking should be national, national presence is also important, secular thinking is also required. Congress is at its lowest in the last 72 years. Congress does not have even the post of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha during the last two terms.,” said Azad, adding: “In order to revive Congress party and to make it a national alternative, it is important to conduct election on the block to the national level, there is a need to provide programme to the party and accountability is also must.” 

WITH ANI INPUTS