JOIN USWhile the PCC chief is talking about revival of Congress party by wining the local body elections in Rajasthan, most of the senior party leaders who were the star attraction in previous UPA government are missing from electoral battle.
Despite tall claims that heavyweight leaders will campaign for Congress candidates in civic polls, none of them is seen making efforts for the party and its candidates.
Amid such a scenario, Pradesh Congress Committee chief Sachin Pilot is the only leader holding rallies and campaigns for the party.
“Senior party leaders generally do not campaign in local elections. But party is passing through a different phase and it was declared that heavyweight leaders will also make public appearance this time. It seems that none of the senior leaders is bothered,” said a leader who is contesting from Congress ticket.
The situation turned worse when party workers and local leaders too refused to take any responsibility in Jaipur.
Plans for a rally by Sachin Pilot in Jaipur were shelved after party leaders including office bearers of district Congress committee refused to take any responsibility.
Leaders expressed their resentment over the ticket distribution by the party.
Senior leaders like C P Joshi, Namonarayan Meena, Bina Kak, Duru Miyan, Bhanwar Jeetendra Singh, Chandresh Kumari, Girija Vyas and Shanti Dhariwal are all conspicuous by their absence.
Duru Miyan, health minister in Ashok Gehlot government and Bhanwar Jeetendra Singh, a Union minister in the UPA government, belonging to Alwar district have not made any effort to ensure party’s victory in their district.
C P Joshi, former Union minister and Girija Vyas former PCC chief, hold immense influence in Mewar region. But both leaders have been inactive in these elections.
Shanti Dhariwal and Bharat Singh have served as cabinet ministers in Gehlot government and belong to Kota district. Both have kept themselves away from these elections.
Former PCC chief Chandrbhaan and several other ministers in the previous government are also treading the same path.
Former tourism minister Bina Kak expressed her inability to campaign for the party in her district, because she has been given other responsibilities.
Shanti Dhariwal claimed he was not given any responsibility for these elections so he is making efforts at his personal level.
“If Sachin proves himself, it will be a direct loss to a couple of senior leaders who have been the face of Congress party in Rajasthan. Non-cooperation may also be seen as poor election management by party. But Congress cannot afford inactiveness of senior leaders,” said a party leader.