Age limit, organisational reforms among issues as Congress begins Chintan Shivir

Around 400 Congress leaders will attend the party’s Chintan Shivir (brainstorming session) in Udaipur beginning Friday, with the hope and assurance of coming out refreshed to take on the Narendra Modi-led BJP.

The party is expected to devise a strategy at the Chintan Shivir to revive itself after severe debacles in the elections over the last few years, especially the loss of Punjab, where it lost power to AAP.

Also read: At Udaipur chintan shivir, Congress really needs to scratch its head

“We know that India expects us to review our organisational dexterity, capacity, capability, but also to adapt ourselves to the current situation and challenges,” party’s chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Thursday.

According to reports, a key issue to be discussed was the age limit for posts in the party. Another matter regarding term limit for Rajya Sabha members would also be discussed, according to party sources.

On the discussions over organisational reforms in Congress party, Ajay Maken said over 70 Congress leaders are being consulted.

“There is a strong realisation that the Congress, as the oldest party of the country, has not reformed the organisation in keeping with requirement of the times,” Maken said.

Some of the proposals being discussed in this regard are:

1. The transition from block level to a district level will now have the introduction of a mandal level in between.

2. Five year fixed tenure for office bearers followed by three year cooling period before the person can return to the same post.

3. All intra-party committees, from district to the AICC level, including CWC to have 50 percent representation of people below 50.

4. One family, one ticket. Exception to the rule: Person has to be active in the party and its activities for a minimum of 5 years

Rahul Gandhi who arrived by train was given a warm welcome at 5 am at the Chittorgarh railway station by party cadre and leaders.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot hit out at the BJP for accusing Congress over every issue. “The country is passing through a critical period… Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Beant Singh got martyred, but today, the people in power ask what happened in the last 70 years. Those who talk of Congress-free India will be freed themselves,” Gehlot was quoted as saying by ANI on Thursday at an event.

Senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge said a 9-member panel formed by Sonia Gandhi will discuss the following political issues.

1. Attacks on and undermining of the Constitution by the current regime
2. Misuse of and assault on autonomous institutions
3.Exposing the BJP’s fake nationalism
4. Chinese occupation of Indian territory
5. Bringing all like-minded parties who oppose the BJP together

When asked about alliances, Kharge said the priority is setting the house in order first. “Once we have done this, then we will move forward to explore alliances.”