With Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi failing to turn up, the first day of the two-day Congress convention here turned out to be a party without a host.

However, Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Prakash Jaiswal, UPCC chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi and AICC general secretary in-charge of state Digvijay Singh oversaw proceedings on Day 1 of the meet, organised with the objective of strengthening the party’s image. The leaders admitted that the party had lost its grip in the state during the past few years and, therefore, the immediate need was to garner support of the masses.

Speaking about the general election, Singh hinted at a possible alliance with the Samajwadi Party. “The Congress has always fought against communal forces. Even this time, the party might join hands with anti-BJP forces,” he said.

Asked about Chief Minister Mayawati’s initiative to carve new states out of Uttar Pradesh, Pramod Tiwari said the Congress has always favoured smaller states, but the BSP-led Government has to present a proposal in Vidhan Sabha and constitute a Commission in this regard.

Jaiswal, who is also the local MP, said: “It is not the first time that a convention is being organised in Kanpur. But on earlier occasions, the position of the Congress party was much better. Therefore, this convention is very important. The party needs to gain the support of the youth.” The minister said party chief Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi would attend the meet on Monday.