No time for own history,Cong cheers its future

“Is it a mere party affair or a national achievement? The Congress,at least on this occasion,should have spread a message stating that the entire country feels proud of its past. Instead,they are indulging in mere political claims,” said an old-timer from Jharkhand,who claimed to be with the party since adolescence.

While the loudest cheers — not unexpectedly,though — were reserved for Rahul Gandhi (the hall witnessed a sudden exodus after he finished),only a few seemed interested in watching the ‘History of Congress’ performance that was being enacted inside,the old man pointed out.

Admittedly,the arrangements made for the event over acres of land were admirable. Neatly laid-out vermillion gravel,thousands of partymen clutching ticket hopes,fire vehicles,a medical centre,portable washrooms,hordes of mediapersons,over half-a-dozen eatery halls and a mini-township called Rajiv Nagar —- the plenary session had it all.

“I joined this organisation because I follow the ideals of Gandhiji. I don’t want anything from the party,I am happy to be serving in my meagre capacity,” said Seva Dal member Bhimshankar of Solapur,Maharashtra,who was assigned the task of manning the gates.

In contrast,a Uttar Pradesh leader stood a few steps away — lamenting the lack of lackeys around him. “Party ke chances badhao,chamche apne aap aa jayenge,” a senior advised him.

Inside the hall,a Rabindranath Tagore-lookalike broke into a frenzied rendition of a composition that the bard had written and sung during the second Congress session at Calcutta in 1886.

The party has come a long way,indeed.