With the Rita Bahuguna Joshi episode yet to die down, a Meerut corporator’s alleged derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Mayawati has forced the Congress to take preventive measures.

The party has decided to send a circular to all district and city units as well as heads of frontal organisations like Youth Congress, NSUI and the Mahila Congress, asking them to exercise restraint in language while criticising opponents.

The party workers will be told that reckless personal attacks are against the party tradition and should, therefore, be avoided. According to sources, the circular will be sent out after Joshi, the UPCC chief, returns from Delhi on Wednesday.

Sources said the decision on such a circular was prompted by the incident on Sunday in which a corporator, Jahid Ansari, allegedly used derogatory remarks against Mayawati at a function organised by the party in Meerut on Sunday.

The party leaders will be asked to communicate to the workers that in their fight against the state government, they should avoid “personal attacks and should be cautious while speaking in public”.

“Such things cannot be allowed, especially when we are working to strengthen our base in Uttar Pradesh. Each party member has to be careful while raising any issue,” a senior party leader said.

Asked about the circular, Joshi said: “The message is loud and clear: we have to raise the voice of people, fight against corruption, poor law and order. But in this fight, we have to avoid personal attacks and our language should proper.” On the Meerut incident, Joshi said: “I cannot comment as I was not present at the time when the corporator made those remarks. All these things happened before my arrival.”

... contd.