‘Given no respect by top party leaders’

Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi visited Jalandhar on Friday to interact with grass root leaders who called for a change of guard in the state citing non-involvement of top party leaders with grass root leaders, no say and respect in party and coterie culture. Among other factors that led to poll debacle, they counted over-dependence on Dera Sacha Sauda, wrong timing of Youth Congress and SGPC elections.

Doaba leaders also had another grouse: old-time dalit leaders were suppressing young Dalit leaders from emerging as second line of leadership.

Rahul met 15 to 20 leaders from many districts at Karwal Palace in Adampur and had the same query: "Do you get respect in the party and are you taken into confidence before important party decisions." Most chorused a no. "If party top leaders have ever tried to meet us, today Congress would be ruling Punjab," some told Rahul.

The Valmiki community alleged that they were not considered for reserved seats which only went to Ravidasia community.

Allegations were also levelled against Punjab affairs incharge Gulchain Singh Charak for giving tickets for 'undue favours'.

Among other reasons cited by party rank and file were late announcement of tickets, wrong distribution of tickets, rebels and factionalism.

To his question on how to win 2014 parliamentary polls, answers ranged from change of leadership, developing a second line of leadership, ending cotorie culture and making the party more democratic.

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