Prashant Kishore now takes a dig at Congress, says GOP’ problems deep-rooted

Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group
New Delhi, Oct 8

In a terse message for the Congress which is struggling to revive itself amid growing dissidence and onslaught by the ruling BJP, poll strategist Prashant Kishor joined the ranks saying, “There are no quick-fix solutions to the deep-rooted problems.”

Kishore went on to say that those looking for a quick revival of the grand old party-led opposition following the Lakhimpur Kheri incident are in for a big disappointment as there are no quick fix solutions to the "deep-rooted problems" of the party.

The crispy tweet sets at rest all speculations of his formally joining the Congress as general secretary incharge of its poll strategy.

Kishore had held long meetings with the three Gandhis since July including Congress’ interim president Sonia Gandhi and had given hope that he may now join the party and chalk out its poll strategy.

But he said, "Unfortunately there are no quick fix solutions to the deep-rooted problems and structural weakness of the GOP," he said.

Former Union minister and senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily had gone on record last month voiced strong support for Kishor's induction into the Congress and said those opposing his entry into the party were "anti-reform". Kishor's tweet is being viewed by many as an indication that things may not be working out between him and the party leadership.

It may be mentioned that party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was in the fore-front of launching a blistering attack on the UP Government after four farmers were mowed down by an SUV in Lakhimpur Kheri. These incidents raised hopes of revival of the GOP in UP and elsewhere.

Lokmat had reported on September 30 that Congress-Kishore talks have failed and he may not join the party.

Poll strategist Prashant Kishore walks out of Congress

Three-month long talks ended in a fiasco

Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

New Delhi, Sep 29

The Talks between Poll strategist Prashant Kishore and the Congress leadership ended in a fiasco as the two sides could not reach an understanding. Kishore told the Congress leadership, " I can't wait indefinitely."

Sources close to Prashant Kishore say that Rahul Gandhi was undecided and kept extending the date of his entry into the party. Kishore’s entry into the Congress as its key poll strategist gained credence after he met Sonia Gandhi in early July. The Congress leadership sought time so that it could consult other senior leaders. It is learnt that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was very keen to induct Kishore. But Rahul Gandhi was taking his own time.

Kishore was also instrumental in the massive victory of TMC leader Mamata Banerjee in a bitter battle with BJP in the West Bengal Assembly polls. Thereafter, he had also met NCP supremo Sharad Pawar who was keen to do business with him and held a couple of meetings. Kishore was also the official poll strategist of Jagan Mohan Reddy in Andhra Pradesh and helped him sweep polls. He was also Capt. Amarinder Singh’s adviser in Punjab in 2017 and played a key role in his win in the Assembly polls.

However, he had been looking for a role in a national party and his talks proceeded well with the Gandhis. But many of the CWC members including A K Antony expressed serious reservations about creating a post for him. One of the reasons was that “he is a professional pollster and his services should be hired rather than inducting him inside the party.”

Kishor had a botched up relationship with the BJP in 2014 afterModi’s big win. Even with Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United), his sting couldn’t last longer.

Fly On the wall | Modi's Kamraj Plan

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Modi's Kamraj Plan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi perhaps took a leaf out of the ‘Kamraj Plan’ when he dropped 12 Union Ministers from his Council of Ministers on July 7 and virtually dismissed three BJP Chief Ministers in a row. The shock treatment to party seniors by Modi was no different than what Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru gave to his colleagues who were part of the freedom struggle with him. Nehru was the first Prime Minister who executed major political surgery in 1963, more than 58 years ago. Nehru asked all senior ministers of his government to give up ministerial posts. Be it Lal Bahadur Shastri, Jagjivan Ram or Morarji Desai, they were all shown the door. Nehru sacked six Chief Ministers, including the most powerful ones like Biju Patnaik (Odisha) and S.K. Patil (Maharashtra). More than 16 years into power, Nehru's charisma was on the wane particularly after the 1962 Chinese invasion. Though V K Krishna Menon had been removed as India's Defence Minister, the Congress was facing a stiff challenge at the hands of many stalwarts in the Opposition parties in Parliament. It was in this backdrop that K Kamraj, CM, Tamil Nadu, submitted a plan to Nehru and offered to quit his post. He wanted all senior ministers and CMs to quit and work for the party. Nehru accepted the Kamraj Plan. Later, Kamaraj was rewarded with the party president’s post. Kamaraj persuaded Nehru to bring Lal Bahadur Shastri back into the government sometime later. Perhaps it was part of a succession plan because Shastri was made a Minister without Portfolio, virtually working as Deputy Prime Minister. It is a different matter that Shastri died an early death after becoming the PM in 1964. Indira Gandhi took over with the blessings and support of K Kamraj in 1966. It is an irony that the same Indira Gandhi showed Kamraj the door who became part of the ‘Syndicate” to oust her in a bitter power struggle.

Difference between the two surgeries

Old timers say there is a huge difference between what Nehru did in 1963 and what Modi executed first in 2014 and in 2021. The difference between the method, procedure and style is clearly visible. It must be remembered here that none of the ministers and CM shown the door by Nehru were senior to him. If Nehru was a product of the freedom struggle, Modi had also acquired every post and won after a bitter struggle. His early life in RSS is also a testimony of his sacrifices too. However, Nehru was in a different league and came from a rich heritage and did everything with finesse. The old timers tell me that Nehru telephoned each one of the ministers on the chopping block himself and explained why their services are needed for the party. They were all given party work too. In the instant case, no Union Minister received a call either from the PM or the Union Home Minister. The unpleasant task was given to the BJP president, J P Nadda to ring up each one of 12 Union Ministers hours before the swearing-in-ceremony. It also transpires that telephones to the new appointees were made by B L Santosh, general secretary (organization). Except for Thaawar Chand Gehlot, no Union Minister was given any work even after 45 days. No Central leader has talked to any one of them who are cooling their heels. Majority of them are Lok Sabha MPs and facing huge embarrassment while visiting their constituencies as party workers keep posing difficult questions to them. During the 2014 surgery, the cut-off date was 75 years of age. But the 2021 surgery, the cut-off age has come down to 66 years. The BJP insiders say that Modi plans to install a whole new set of leadership at the Centre and states before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Modi himself is turning 75 years on September 17, 2025. It is said that Modi is a 'Saint in politics” and capable of springing surprises. Is the 2021 surgery part of a succession plan? No one knows.

Kamraj bug hits Congress too

Sonia Gandhi failed to implement the much needed 'Kamraj Plan' to send deadwood and troublesome ministers packing in 2010 or even in 2012 as Rahul Gandhi was unwilling to take over the reins for some strange reasons. She was bitten by the P V Narasimha Rao experience and continued with her best bet i.e. Manmohan Singh. Ten years later, the Kamraj bug hit the Congress and Sonia Gandhi cracked her whip to send Captain Amrinder Singh packing. Obviously, she is clearing the decks for her son who is now batting on the front foot.

Fly On the Wall | Why Pawar, Nitish missing in Action

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Why Pawar, Nitish missing in Action

Sharad Pawar had declared with a big fanfare to lend NCP’s support to the Trinamool Congress headed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Maratha strongman had also declared that he would campaign for the TMC candidates in West Bengal. The Congress was peeved at Pawar’s decision to support Mamata as NCP is sharing power in Maharashtra. The NCP supremo is also desirous to play a more active role in the UPA at the national level too. Realizing the sensitivities involved, NCP explained that Mamata Banerjee is close to the “Saheb” and the latter will only address a couple of rallies as a symbol of support. But Pawar could not make it in March as he was busy in resolving the crisis that erupted after Wazegate culminating in the resignation of Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. Later, Pawar developed severe abdomen pain leading to his admission at a private hospital. He was advised complete rest before he could be operated upon as his parameters were not fit to be operated upon. He cannot campaign anymore and there is no prospect of his being in action in West Bengal in near future either.

Nitish, Tejashwi keep away too

Sharad Pawar is not alone missing in action. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav are also keeping completely away in this round of Assembly polls. Though the Janata Dal (United) is contesting the West Bengal polls dumping its alliance partner BJP, Kumar has chosen to keep away and not campaign. On the other hand, the RJD is supporting the TMC despite being a partner of Congress in Bihar. But Tejashwi is also looking the other way and has not for campaigning. The JD (U) doesn’t explain why it has left its candidates in the lurch in West Bengal. However, a close confidante of Nitish Kumar said he is avoiding traveling West Bengal to keep the BJP and Mamta Banerjee in good humour. Mamata has a fractured leg and Nitish Kumar doesn’t want to rub salt on her wounds in the given situation. After all, Nitish Kumar has also been nursing national ambitions like Sharad Pawar. The Congress is also confused as it is hand-in-glove with the Left in West Bengal while fighting with the CPM in Kerala. Secondly, Rahul Gandhi has not rolled out his program to campaign in West Bengal so far either.

Priyanka goes missing too!!

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has gone into self quarantine after her husband Robert Vadra tested positive of Covid almost a week ago. The jolt came when she was drawing huge crowds during her rallies in Kerala. According to Congress insiders, she was able to connect better with the voters due to her style of campaigning causing some anxiety in some party quarters. Though Priyanka has now been tested negative, she continues to stay home. Whatever may be the reasons; her absence is a setback to the party as most of the party’s 30 star campaigners were missing in action including Capt Amrinder Singh, Navjot Singh Sidhu to name a few. Even Rahul Gandhi has been missing in action in West Bengal, at least until writing this column. Perhaps, it’s a season of leaders missing in action.

Missing frontline workers for Jab

The Prime Minister’s Task Force on Vaccination is burning midnight oil as Health and Frontline Workers (HFW) are missing in getting themselves vaccinated. Of the 3 crores HFWs only 65% came forward for the first vaccine dose during the past 90 days while 50% came for the second dose. The government is worried about these missing Covid warriors and vaccine hesitancy has clearly among them. It is worrisome as they are directly dealing with the deadly disease. The government toyed with the idea of imposing certain restrictions on those refusing to take the jab as suggested by experts and Indian Medical Association too. But these are tough times and the government cannot risk taking disciplinary action against them for refusing to take the jab. Dr Randeep Guleria, Director AIIMS and member of the PM’s Task Force, has been on record to say that this hesitancy may be because they want to wait and read more. He did not elaborate but many are worried as the government is not sharing the Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) data. Though the government told Parliament that 89 adverse events took place and none of them was due to vaccination. But it has not shared the causes behind such deaths so far except in 13 cases.

Fly on the Wall | Modi drawing Leaf out of Nehru

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Modi drawing Leaf out of Nehru

There is no dearth of cheerleaders who have termed the Chinese withdrawal from the finger areas in the Galwan Valley as “historic” win for PM Modi. No doubt, with visuals of Chinese withdrawal created a fervor and a welcome development. But it was certainly not the first time when the Chinese had retreated from the Galwan Valley. They had done it first time on July 7, 1962 by unilaterally withdrawing from the same Galwan Valley bringing huge jubilation in the country and relief to the then PM Nehru. In fact, India had not retreated an inch from the Galwan Valley then. But the Chinese retreat was a trap as they returned 96 days later on October 20, 1962 to attack India. India suffered a humiliating defeat then. The cheerleaders may have forgotten the lesson in history but not Modi. He is aware of the pitfalls ahead and it is because of this very reasons that neither Modi nor NSA Ajit Doval have spoken a word about it. Even Defense Minister Rajnath Singh gave no details when he read out a statement in Parliament on February 11. The MEA has also been coy about the agreement. Reason: If the Chinese have retreated from the Pangong Tso, India has also retreated from the Rachin La and Rezang La hills in the Kailash range. India is now mounting pressure on the Chinese to pull back from the Hot Spring, Gogra in the Depsang Plains. Modi is waiting with a bated breath of what the Chinese will do in the days, months or even the years to come. Modi has been deeply hurt. After all, it was he who invited Xi Jingping in 2014 to Gujrat Riverfront and both were spotted swinging together. But April 2020 intrusion changed the course. He has drawn a leaf out of the archives not to allow the Chinese to take him for a rise.

Business & Border inter-linked

Modi has made two major changes while dealing with China and Pakistan; one is that Business bonhomie and Border confrontation can’t go together and two; External Affairs Ministry won’t be allowed to dominate decisions of the Defense forces on the ground. Modi snapped all ties with Pakistan after his failed unscheduled Pakistan visit in December 2015. The same is being done with China after the April 2020 border row when India was in the midst of Covid crisis. The trade ties can’t be snapped overnight. But they have been put in the slow lane, banned Chinese apps, no Chinese entry in 5G technology and no free flow of FDI either. Secondly, the forces have been given a free hand to deal with the situation on the ground without overriding powers of the MEA. The MEA will be in the loop certainly.

How Modi pipped Rahul

Rahul Gandhi may have inadvertently given pleasure to the “Modi Bhakts” when he said in Puducherry the other day that there should be a ministry of Fisheries in Delhi. It was a faux pas as Modi had created such a ministry in June 2019 itself and Giriraj Singh continues to be the first Minister for Fisheries. But what was drowned in the butt of jokes was that Rahul Gandhi wanted fishermen to be treated as farmers. He wanted that fishermen be treated as ‘farmers of the sea’ like the farmers of the land. But his message was lost and Modi picked up the thread sitting in Delhi. He has a sharp nose, worked quietly and a decision was taken overnight. Next day Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that Fishermen in 9 states and 4 Union Territories will also be treated as farmers. Shah did not stop at this. He went on to announce that millions of fishermen will be entitled to the benefits under the PM-Kisan and get Rs 6000 per year. Obviously, it will directly benefit the fishermen in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry – all poll bound states. According to the Fishery Survey of India, 2003, the population of fishermen in India was 1.44 crores.

Importance of being Nana Patole

Rahul Gandhi may have been busy launching a blistering attack on Modi on three farm laws. But what a pity! The AICC doesn’t have a Chief of Kisan Congress for one year after Patole quit. Insiders say the post was kept vacant by Rahul Gandhi for his bête noir as Patole as PCC Chief. Perhaps, he may do backseat driving in the Kisan Congress too.

Fly on the wall | Pawar’s mysterious Silence in Rajya Sabha

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Pawar’s mysterious Silence in Rajya Sabha

The entire political class is baffled about the mysterious silence of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar when the Rajya Sabha discussed three farm laws for days together. It was expected that the tallest farmer leader from Baramati who was UPA’s Agriculture Minister for ten long years, will put the record straight. If a leader of his stature had spoken, farmers and the government would have listened to him. He is perhaps the only one who could have told the farmers to end the agitation as farm laws had been stayed for 18 months and has the stature to tell the government also to mend fences and find a way out. After all, it was Pawar who had brought many agricultural reforms during his tenure at the Centre and earlier in Maharashtra. Pawar was very much stationed in Delhi during the session of Parliament. But he maintained a mysterious silence in Rajya Sabha and chose to field Praful Patel instead. Though former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda who takes pride in calling himself “poor farmer from Karnataka” spoke in Rajya Sabha. But he has lost his rhythm and touch. Pawar could have made the difference. But he looked the other way. Why?? No answers are coming from the NCP.

Why PM is angry with Babus?

Ever since Modi came to power in 2014, the Babus are the worst sufferers. Gone are the days when they used to rule the roost and ministers used to eat out of their hands. In some of the ministries, the bureaucrats used to work as brokers between private players and politicians to reap the harvest. They were partying in 5 star hotels, playing golf, coming to the office at will etc. PM Modi talked of this Lutyens Delhi culture in 2014. Since then, Modi has been tightening the noose and Babus are now a nameless & faceless class. The Lutyens’ Delhi does not recognize when PM’s Principal Secretary PK Mishra takes a walk in the Lodhi Gardens. Modi wants to end Babus direct interaction with the businessmen completely and doggedly pursuing ‘faceless’ resolution of grievances. The Babus were crestfallen when Modi had a dig at them in the Lok Sabha saying they are not experts to run airlines, chemical or companies and everything. No PM has questioned their ability to deliver. Obviously, Modi was peeved that Babus are creating one hurdle after the other in the implementation of his policies. He blames them for sabotaging his vigorous divestment program and mobilizing Rs two lakh crores by selling PSUs. Modi feels Babus are to be blamed for it and gave them public bashing. Modi is now hoping for a Bonanza this year.

Rahul calling shots, G-23 crest fallen

Rahul Gandhi is neither Congress president nor Parliamentary Party leader. He has declared he won’t hold any post and rather no Gandhi will hold it either. But he continues to call the shots in the party, Parliament and makes no bones about it. He doesn’t mince words and is rather ruthless in getting things done. The Group of 23 dissident leaders had thought that he would be conciliatory to them after Priyanka Gandhi’s meetings with Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma. Both are part of G-23 letter writers. But their hopes were dashed when Sonia Gandhi sent a letter appointing Mallikarjun Kharge as Leader of Opposition in place of Ghulam Nabi Azad three days before his retirement. It sent Anand Sharma sulking who was in the race for the top post. The shocker came when Nana Patole was appointed as Maharashtra PCC chief. Now the word is that Patole may be given a ministerial berth making one of the Congress ministers resigning. The issue was broached when Patole met Rahul in Delhi. It is said that one Congress minister will quit to make room for Patole. No final word has emanated from 12 Tughlaq Road, the official residence of Rahul Gandhi in this regard. K C Venugopal is gradually replacing late Ahmad Patel in AICC.

The lone winner

The NaMo administration cleared 26 IAS officers of 1988 & 1989 batch to be promoted as Secretary and 14 as Secretary Equivalent. Maharashtra was lucky as Rajesh Agrawal was the lone officer figuring in the list of 40. But he too was made Secretary Equivalent and not as full secretary. Not a good sign for the richest and one of the largest states.

Fly on the wall - PM’s olive branch to Azad

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

PM’s olive branch to Azad

Whether it was an emotional gesture or deep politics, no one can vouchsafe. But it was the rarest of the rare moment in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday last when PM Modi told Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Aazad, “Do not feel like you are no longer in the House. I would not let you retire, I will continue taking your advice. My doors are always open for you.” Azad is bidding adieu to his 41 year long parliamentary career. It transpires that the Gandhis were upset with him for something and hence he was not re-nominated to the Rajya Sabha and left high & dry. It is in this backdrop that Modi made this offer stunning everybody. Modi has never made such an offer in public to any Opposition leader. On his part, Ghulam Nabi Azad made no secret of his chemistry with Modi saying, “Two people always greeted me during festivals and my birthday for many years - Congress president Sonia Gandhi and PM Modi." Aren’t bells ringing!!! The BJP doesn’t have a tall Muslim leader and those in its kitty are hardly of any stature. Ghulam Nabi may be of use for Modi’s international brotherhood outreach having huge experience behind him.

Pawar & Cong disconnected!

There is a long history of love-hate relationship between the Congress and NCP since 1999. They buried the hatchet to form the MVA government. But all is not well these days and gone are the days of Sharad Pawar-Rahul Gandhi bon-homie. Pawar is unhappy because the Congress torpedoed his plans to make him UPA co-chairman and now he is on his own trip. He is stitching alliances with TMC, SP, YSR-Congress, TRS, BJD, Shiv Sena, Akali Dal and others. Rahul is content with the DMK, Left, IUML etc. Even the RJD is cool towards Rahul Gandhi these days. The Congress was left in the lurch when the delegation of 10 Opposition parties went to meet farmers on Delhi borders consisting of Supriya Sule and others. The appointment of Nana Patole as Maharashtra PCC Chief turned out to be the last straw in Camel’s back. Pawar’s reluctance to give the Speaker's post to Congress is part of NCP’s plan, say insiders. Is something cooking??? Watch out!!

Cooking Golden goose

When the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) scheme was launched by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in November 1951, had not imagined that it would become a tool in the hands of the rich to cook golden goose. It was to help employees in the public and private sector with employers contributing their 12% share in their accounts. There was no limit for employees to deposit money in their accounts. The interest income is tax-free without limit. For 70 years, the rich employees raked in mullahs. But they did not realize that PM Modi has the uncanny knack of tracking those making a killing. Interestingly, top bureaucrats who are big beneficiaries of this scheme never pointed it out to successive Finance Ministers about rich employees making a killing. The PM sought a detailed report and was shocked to learn that the largest single deposit in the account of one employee in EPF was over Rs 100 crores. It was also noticed that such employees earned tax-free interest income of more than Rs 50-60 lakhs year after year. The number of such huge beneficiaries is 1.20 lakhs employees and they put a staggering Rs 62,500 crores in their EPF accounts. There are 5 crores EPF account holders. The EPF has a corpus of Rs. Seven lakh crores as on February 1, 2021. The scheme was for employees earning Rs 15000 or more a month. The Union Budget has capped interest free income at Rs 2.50 lakhs per year now, down from Rs 50 lakhs earlier. Another loot and scoot stopped!

Biden, So near & so far

When US President Joe Biden nominated 20 Indian-Americans to key positions in his administration, it was hailed as a big win for India and Modi's leadership. But analysts pointed out that Biden excluded those who are considered close to the RSS-BJP like Sonal Shah and Amit Jani. Sonal Shah’s father was the president of Overseas Friends of BJP-USA and is the founder of RSS-run Ekal Vidyalaya. The suspicions of Biden’s not-so-friendly attitude came correct when many close to the Biden administration lent their support to agitating farmers in India including the niece of Vice President Kamala Harris. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar has a tough task in hand.

Fly on the Wall - Why Blame Rahul Gandhi

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Why Blame Rahul!

Why Blame Rahul Gandhi for his usual year-end sojourn in Italy abandoning the Foundation Day function of his party. There is no denial that he pushes off on vacation many times during the year and that has been his routine ever since he stepped into politics since 2004. But why blame him! He doesn't even hold any office in the party. Isn't it? Even Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav left for London with his family. As if this is not enough, another farmer leader and Haryana’s Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala is holidaying in the Rann of Kutch. Want to know where Bihar’s Tejashwi Yadav goes for holidaying? Delhi is his destination and he doesn’t meet anybody here. He is not even seen with the agitating farmers or sending a contingent from Bihar either. Young ministers belonging to the BJP may be sulking as Modi is keeping a close watch on them and a couple of them have paid the price too in the past. But other parties have no such problem.

A Saffron Flag in Srinagar, finally

BJP may have won three Councilors out of the 140 seats in the District Development Council (DDC) polls in the Valley and 72 of the 140 in the Jammu region. Of the three, it won just one in the Srinagar rural DDC. But it is trying hard to capture it by engineering a majority. A couple of Councilors belonging to the National Conference and PDP have already switched sides to the Apni Party of Altaf Bukhari, a local businessman & ex-minister in the PDP-BJP government who floated his own party after the abrogation of Article 370. The BJP is also wooing 4 Independents as the PDP, NC & Apni Party won three seats each. Nobody has a majority. The BJP’s top leadership is working overtime to capture the Srinagar DDC as it will be a great day in the history to have BJP-Apni Party DDC in the heart of the Valley.

The BJP has perfected the art of converting a minority into the majority in many states and this process will now continue in the Valley too. Interestingly, the BJP recently captured the Srinagar Municipal Corporation indirectly by engineering defection of Junaid Azim Mattoo to the Apni Party. Junaid Azim Mattoo was part of Sajad Lone-led People's Conference (PC). Later, he quit the PC in 2013 to join the National Conference and after winning the polls, switched to the Apni Party. Altaf Bukhari and Junaid Mattoo have declared their Endeavour to make Srinagar a world class city. If this alliance works, the saffron flag may fly in Srinagar rural while Srinagar city is already under control of a friendly party of the BJP.

Will Modi Blink ?

In his first term Modi tried to tinker with the Land Acquisition law. But the first Minister for Rural Development, Gopinath Munde, didn’t agree. Even his successor Nitin Gadkari couldn’t deliver what Modi desired. Finally, Modi brought in Chaudhary Birender Singh who too failed. The PM was persuaded to bring back the UPA government’s Land Acquisition law and Modi had to swallow the bitter pill. Now six year into the job, Modi is facing another Waterloo and it is not the creation of the Opposition nor gifted in his lap by Rahul Gandhi. Riding on the massive mandate of 2019, he pushed these Agri reforms. He may still succeed. But the situation looks grim and he doesn’t have too much time in his hand either. Modi's other problem is that he doesn't trust anybody and doesn't share what’s cooking in his mind. Insiders in the government say that he has been advised by certain well meaning people to allow the states to do whatever they want to do with these three Acts. Even the Supreme Court had suggested deferment of these Acts and start negotiations. A negotiated settlement before the Republic Day and Parliament session is a better option in any case. Modi had certainly not bargained for this.

No News is good news

For All India Radio, the agitation of farmers on Delhi borders is no news. Listen to the prime time news bulletins of AIR in the evening slot at 8.30 pm. It seems the agitation doesn’t exist. The entire bulletin is full of government handouts and news sent from states. Why so? The AIR has stopped taking the news service of PTI, UNI, ANI and other agencies. Whatever news is sent by its correspondents from across the world is broadcast.

Fly on the Wall - Mumbai model for new Congress Chief!

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Mumbai model for new Congress Chief!
How the new Congress president may be democratically elected in place of Sonia Gandhi if polls do take place for the coveted post? As many as 1400 plus AICC delegates & others have to be elected first and then they will elect a new CWC and eventually a president in February 2021 unless polls are postponed. The AICC managers hit upon a novel method and tested it in Mumbai to elect Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief. It is now called the Mumbai Model. The General Secretary incharge of Maharashtra HK Patil sent a voice message to 450 designated party functionaries: I am AICC incharge HK Patil speaking. I seek your views on who should be the president of Mumbai Congress. After the beep, send just one name. Your answer will be kept confidential. Thank you”. No one knows who followed the drill and who didn’t. But the mandarins in the technical team of Rahul Gandhi working behind the scenes, took enough care that the process is executed with finesse. It’s a different matter that no one among 450 delegates knew till date who sent which name and how MRCC president was chosen. But one thing is clear that this Mumbai Model will may be executed in AICC polls too. Since Rahul Gandhi’s loyalists are determined to install him as party chief. The AICC media head, Randeep Surjewala has already said that 99.9% want Rahul as CP. He already knows the mind of 99.9% of the 1400 AICC delegates. The last word has yet to be written.

Rahul & his new mobile
When the 5-hour long meeting took place at Sonia Gandhi’s residence at 10 Janpath, Rahul & Priyanka were in tow to receive the invitees. The Gandhis wanted a virtual meeting over Zoom. But none of the dissidents including Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Bhupinder Singh Hooda were ready for it. They insisted on a face-to-face meeting which Sonia Gandhi eventually agreed to. But many leaders were dismayed that Rahul Gandhi was glued to his new iPhone 12. A leader who was part of the meeting said Rahul remained busy with his mobile for nearly three hours. In between, he left the meeting twice to interact with Kamal Nath and A K Antony and attend to urgent calls. Sonia Gandhi, on the other hand, remained seated for full 5-hours without a break.

Hooda stuns the conclave

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is a soft spoken person and rarely talks tough. But he was perhaps the only one among the dissidents to stun the gathering. Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Prithviraj Chavan and many other letter writers were speaking in a rather conciliatory tone. When Hooda’s turn came, he didn’t mince his words. Rather, he sent the chill in the otherwise warm weather in the sprawling lawns. Hooda said he is fighting a lonely battle in Haryana against the BJP which had pumped Rs 100 crores to win the Baroda Assembly seat in a bitter byelection. Yet he was able to defeat the BJP against all odds. Hooda did not stop there and went on to say that had he been made the leader of the party in Haryana three months prior to State Assembly polls last year, the Congress would have got the state. “Unfortunately, I am not accepted as leader in Delhi while people in Haryana adore me,” said Hooda in a pained voice. There was a silence of the grave.

Nadda’s rising clout
With BJP president J P Nadda down with Covid and recovering, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has taken charge of Assembly polls in West Bengal due next year. Shah was out of action in Bihar for some strange reasons. But now he is leading the onslaught on Mamata Banerjee from the front. However, Nadda is working overtime sitting home and played a key role in the selection of seven Union Ministers who were made inchage of seven regions for Assembly polls. It is learnt that the selections were made as per the PM’s desires and many favourite ministers were excluded causing surprises. Obviously, Nadda's graph has been risen after Bihar win and other polls. Only recently, a couple of Chief Ministers of BJP ruled states wanted to call on the PM. But Modi politely conveyed to them to first apprise the party president about the issues.

Sonia may offer step down on Monday, May appeal to elect a non-Gandhi

Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

New Delhi, Aug. 22

Congress Interim president Sonia Gandhi may offer to step down from her post at the meeting of the Congress Working Committee on Monday next.

Highly placed sources in the party told Lokmat tonight that Sonia Gandhi has made up her mind and informed a select group of leaders about her intentions to make room for a non-Gandhi to occupy the post. This in a way, is bowing to the wishes of her son Rahul Gandhi who took moral responsibility for the debacle of the party in 2019 Lok Sabha polls and quit. He also desired that a non-Gandhi be elected to run the party.

But the entire CWC rejected the decision and later elected Sonia Gandhi an interim president. However, the experiment failed and now it is emerging that an upset Sonia Gandhi may offer to quit. Though she has full one more year to go an Interim president of the Congress, she is pained and may offer to quit. 

It is reliably learnt that some of the senior Congress leaders including Kapil Sibal and Anand Sharma among others have written a letter to Sonia Gandhi about the state of the party and how it should be reorganised. 

When contacted, no senior leader was willing to comment. Kapil Sibal did not respond to phone calls and neither Anand Sharma responded. Ghulam Nabi Azad has also been upset as he had not been renominated to the Rajya Sabha and may not remain Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha. However, Mallikarjun Kharge, senior-most member of the CWC and Rajya Sabha MP told Lokmat over the phone that he would participate in the virtual meeting on Monday.  He declined to say anything more exceot that he is a loyal soldier of the party.

Rahul Gandhi underwent Coronavirus Test at Airport

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

A Lokmat exclusive story

Rahul Gandhi underwent Coronavirus Test at Airport

Returned to India from Italy on Feb 29

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, March 4

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi underwent Coronavirus test at T-3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) as soon as he returned to India last week.

Highly placed sources in the government say that Rahul Gandhi followed the drill issued by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued for the passengers coming from Italy and other countries to be thoroughly checked for Covid-19.

Rahul Gandhi boarded the Air India flight no 138 from Milan on February 29 evening and landed at the IGIA in the morning of Saturday. Since Italy is among the watch list of nations for Coronavirus, all passengers disembarking were requested to undergo necessary tests. Rahul Gandhi had been returning to the country after two weeks of stay abroad and the world was rising to fight the Covid-19. Since Rahul Gandhi is a Z-plus security cover VIP and a member of the Lok Sabha, he was offered all due courtesies. But sources say that Rahul Gandhi decided to follow the drill along with other passengers and volunteered to follow all instructions in this regard. The check up went on for 20-25 minutes even as his personal staff and security personnel were getting anxious due to abnormal delay. They were keen to rush through the process. But Rahul Gandhi signaled to them that the systems must be followed, say these sources. 

Rahul Gandhi was also briefed extensively at the airport by the health authorities at the airport do's and don'ts with regard to the Covid-19.

Since Italy has emerged lately as the Europe's global Covid-19 hub, the Indian authorities have not only suspended the visa facilities including visa on arrival. It was also decided all passengers disembarking at Indian airports from Italy and other such named countries be thoroughly checked.

Sources say after the tests, Rahul Gandhi left the airport smiling. He also thanked the health department officials who were deployed for these tests.

Ends

Rahul Goes on holidays again abroad

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Exclusive report 

Rahul Goes on holidays again abroad

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Feb 19

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has embarked again on a week-long holiday abroad again quietly. According to highly placed sources in the Congress, Rahul Gandhi left for Rome and later he may travel to other European countries. However, he has been keeping track of developments and even tweeting as well by keeping himself posted through his back office.

He extended greetings to everyone on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti on his twitter handle in Hindi on Wednesday and posted a photo of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 

This is second trip abroad in two months this year. Earlier, he had gone on vacation on December 31 to celebrate New Year with his grand-mother and others to Italy and returned to India on January 11. There was some criticism of his foreign visit as the country was in the midst of the protests on the CAA. However, no one in the party is willing to confirm Rahul Gandhi's departure. It is learnt that he may travel to London later.

But no program has been released by the AICC or his office about the plans of his return. Sources in the party say that Congress Interim president Sonia Gandhi has recovered fully from her asthma problems and actively holding meetings with leaders. Earlier in November too, Rahul Gandhi had pushed off to South Korea to meet the Prime Minister as part of his official engagement. But he decided to stay abroad for five more days when the parliament was in session and he absented.

Sources in the security forces guarding him say that he has not informed them about his travel plans this time either. Rahul Gandhi’s foreign visits are a matter of concern to the security forces earlier too. In fact, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is on record in Parliament saying that some SPG protectees had left the SPG cover behind and went to unknown destinations. He was giving reasons for withdrawal of the SPG cover to the Gandhis in this regard. Now the Gandhis have been provided with CRPF cover in collaboration of the Delhi Police. Rahul Gandhi is serving his fourth term as a Lok Sabha MP.

Why Rahul Gandhi rubbed Sena and Many ?

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

special report

Why Rahul Gandhi rubbed Sena and Many ?

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Dec. 15

Rahul Gandhi may have baffled Congressmen including his mother & Congress Interim president Sonia Gandhi when he rubbed key party ally Shiv Sena on the wrong side by invoking Vir Savarkar.

But he was fully aware of what he was doing at the mammoth rally at the Ramlila Grounds on Saturday when he said “My name is not Rahul Savarkar. My Name is Rahul Gandhi and I will not apologise”.  Obviously, he was telling the saffron parties that Savarkar had apologized to the British. But he was not the one to do so.

Insiders say that Rahul Gandhi deliberately  invoked Savarkar’s name to rub the Shiv Sena on the wrong side. While the “Bharat Bachao Rally” was aimed at targeting the BJP and NDA, Rahul deviated from the script and provoked the Sena. Sources close to Rahul Gandhi told Lokmat that the scion of the Gandhi family was never in favour of the Congress-NCP-Sena alliance . Yet, due to political compulsions Sonia Gandhi gave the go-ahead to the alliance. But Rahul was never happy about it and he went public the moment he got an opportunity to pass the snide remark. It’s a different matter that Sonia Gandhi who spoke after him went according to the script and ignored his remarks.  It also transpires that immediately after the public rally, she got in touch with senior party leader Ahmad Patel to handle the situation. It was these behind-the-scenes activity that Sena’s Sanjay Raut’s tweet was guarded and the matter subsided.  But it clearly emerged that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks were well thought of and not a spur-of-the-moment statement.

Sources say that several of the Congress stalwarts including Chief Ministers were also unhappy that Instead of appreciating them, Rahul Gandhi chose to  congratulate  party general secretary Mukul Wasnik for mobilizing a massive crowd at the rally. He called out Wasnik and patted his back for the successful rally in front of thousands present. Rahul Gandhi did not name a single party leader for mobilizing such a mammoth crowd. The Chief Ministers - Ashok Gehlot (Rajasthan), Kamal Nath (Madhya Pradesh) and Bhupesh Baghel (Chhattisgarh) and former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda worked for weeks to bring crowds from their respective states.

On the contrary, party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi congratulated her workers from UP who had come in large numbers and they cheered repeatedly when she spoke.

Ends 

Clamour for Rahul Gandhi's return as Congress Chief grows

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

special report

Clamour for Rahul Gandhi's return as Congress Chief grows

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Dec 13

Congress Interim president Sonia Gandhi has renewed her efforts to persuade Rahul Gandhi to take the reins of the party once again.

Rahul Gandhi who had virtually gone into a shell, stopped meeting party leaders, attending meetings and remaining absent from Lok Sabha, has been active again.

He has not only been active on twitter but meeting with leaders again. He also attended the Speaker, Om Birla's customary tea party this afternoon after the Lok Sabha was adjourned sine-die.

He has agreed to address the Congress rally tomorrow at Ramlila grounds – a brainchild of Sonia Gandhi, aimed at bringing focus on Rahul Gandhi. Enthused by the formation of the Opposition government in Maharashtra, slowdown in the economy and growing protests against the CAB, Sonia Gandhi decided to hold a major rally in the Capital.

There are reports that leaders after leaders of the party will make a plea to Rahul Gandhi to take back his resignation at tomorrow's rally. Though the official purpose of the rally is to attack on the NDA government for its failure on all front and show to the people that Congress is an credible alternative, the covert purpose is to persuade Rahul Gandhi to listen to the voices of leaders and withdraw his resignation.

Rahul Gandhi did not listen to her advice and abruptly resigned taking responsibility for the rout of the party immediately after the Lok Sabha polls. Though leaders present at the Congress Working Committee tried hard to persuade him not to press for his resignation, he insisted on resigning. Its a different matter that his resignation was never accepted by the working committee and pending his absence, Sonia Gandhi took interim charge of the party.

Several senior party functionaries including Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel, chief ministers of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh have openly asked Rahul Gandhi to take back resignation.

Though Sonia Gandhi as Interim chief has improved the Congress graph in several states including Haryana and Maharashtra. But she wants to relinquish the charge due to various reasons including health reasons.

All eyes are now set on Jharkhand, where Assembly poll process is on and the party is upbeat.

Ends 

Rahul Gandhi’s absence Baffles all ……..

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Rahul Gandhi’s absence Baffles all ……..

 Goes Abroad again 

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Nov 24

Rahul Gandhi's continued absence in parliament since November 18 when the Winter session began, has left everyone baffled. Most likely, he will not show up in Lok Sabha tomorrow as well.

If sources are to be believed, Rahul Gandhi has left for an unknown destination abroad on Friday night. No one has a clue of when he will come back so far.

He stay put at his 12 Tughlaq Lane residence throughout the past week and did not mingle with the party leaders. He did not participate in any of the meetings called by Interim party president Sonia Gandhi relating to Maharashtra either. Though some media reports attributed him saying he was against any tie up with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. But his Man-Friday and party general secretary K C Venugopal and political “Guru” A K Antony gave the go-ahead for such a tie up at the CWC meeting.

The party leaders say in private that Rahul Gandhi is not responding to mobile calls & SMS messages too. In fact, Sonia Gandhi has been left alone to fight a tough battle all alone with Rahul Gandhi completely distancing from political developments.

Sources say that he is very dejected and feeling disappointed that things did not move the way he wanted in the party and leaders did not follow him. It was largely because of this very reason that he pushed off to Brazil on a private visit after coming back from Cambodia. He returned to Delhi on November 15 (Friday) and left the country again on November 22.

Rahul Gandhi did  not go to Shakti Sthal, where tributes were being paid on the birth anniversary of late Indira Gandhi on November 19. He did not step out even to go to Parliament to the Central Hall where floral tributes were paid by all top leaders of all political parties.

As many as 10 questions were listed against the name of Wayanad MP last week alone. But he did not show up to ask questions listed against his name. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla noticed Rahul Gandhi's absence and said he had wanted to give him the chance to raise his question.

Rahul Gandhi is serving his fourth term as a Lok Sabha MP.

Ends

Why delay to chose new Congress President ?

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Special Report 

Why delay to chose new Congress President ?

Sonia hopeful of Rahul's return

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, July 27

The suspense continues over the delay in choosing a new Congress president after Rahul Gandhi abruptly quit as party chief on May 25.  Though it was widely reported that the Congress Working Committee will meet this week to select a “working president”. But Rahul Gandhi left for the USA leaving everyone high and dry. Rahul Gandhi was back in the Capital on Thursday last but there are no signs of a CWC meet. 

Highly placed sources say that the CWC meeting may not take place early. These sources say that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is in no hurry either to get a new “working president” elected. She wants to give enough time to Rahul Gandhi to ponder over his resignation. She believes that Rahul Gandhi quit the post in a huff and  anger in the aftermath of massive defeat of the party in the Lok Sabha polls on May 23. Rahul Gandhi was extremely angry as he had expected the party to win at least  150 Lok Sabha seats. His assessment was based on data analytics head Praveen Chakravarty  who had convinced him of achieving the target and also reassured him that “Chowkidar Chore Hai” slogan is successful. Several state Congress leaders had told Rahul Gandhi of party getting good number of seats in their respective states. It was in this background that he went ballistic at the CWC meet for the poor showing and held them responsible too. He tendered his own resignation and had expected that they too will follow suit. But nothing of the sort happened and things came to a standstill.

Priyanka Gandhi takes charge of UP Congress, Scindia demits UP (West) charge

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Priyanka Gandhi takes charge of UP Congress, Scindia demits UP (West) charge

Rahul Gandhi to return on July 22-23

Harish Gupta 

New Delhi, July 19 

After the resignation of Jyotiraditya Scindia as AICC General Secretary incharge of UP (West), Priyanka Gandhi has been entrusted with the task of looking after the entire UP. Until now, Priyanka Gandhi was the AICC general secretary incharge of UP (East). After Scindia's resignation, she has been asked to look after the whole of UP.

Though no formal orders have been issued by the AICC in this regard. But Congress president Rahul Gandhi, before his departure to the USA on Wednesday, asked Priyanka Gandhi to look after the entire state until further arrangements. Rahul Gandhi has approved several appointments including that PCC Chiefs of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. It is also learnt that Rahul Gandhi will return to India on July 22-23 and the Congress Working Committee may meet thereafter. There is intense media speculation that Priyanka Gandhi may replace her brother as AICC president. A clamour is also growing in the party for her induction as many feel that a member of the Gandhi family can revive the party. In fact, many of the senior party leaders feel that an interim arrangement of appointing someone like Mallikarjun Kharge, Mukul Wasnik or Selja would only delay the revival of the party. They say that the Congress under the Gandhis had secured more than 11 crore votes in the May 2019 Lok Sabha polls and these can grow if Priyanka Gandhi is installed as party chief. Since Rahul Gandhi has firmly rebuffed suggestions of staging a come back, these sources say that only someone like Priyanka can take the party on the revival path. But Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is maintaining a studied silence. She has quietly taken the charge of the entire UP and held a marathon meeting of all the district presidents of UP Congress. She has already taken on the Yogi government head on. 

Perhaps, one will have to wait for a week to things to unfold in the Congress.

Ends 

1+4 formula to end Congress crisis

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

1+4 formula to end Congress crisis

Four vice presidents under one Interim president 

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, July 12

Amidst contuning crisis in Karnataka, a formula is underway to resolve the vacuum in the 150 year grand old party. If reports are to be believed, final touches are being given to the “one plus four formula”

to end 50-day old crisis which began with the sudden resignation of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

After a series of deliberations within the Gandhi family members involving Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi and family loyalists like A K Antony, Dr Manmohan Singh and a couple of others, the 1+4 formula is finding favour.

This formula is that an interim president be appointed by the Congress working committee (CWC) until the organisational elections are completed as per the constitution of the party. It is now clear that the CWC meeting will be called sometime next week as the formula has taken a shape and nitty-gritty is being fixed. The CWC is the party's top decision making body and empowered to take all the decisions in the current crisis-ridden situation. The CWC may be held at the instance of Motilal Vora, senior-most general secretary of the party or Mukul Wasnik, who is currently general secretary (organisation).

With UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi firmly refusing to lead the party as interim president and Priyanka Gandhi is also being ruled out, Mallikarjun Kharge's name is finding favour. Since A K Antony firmly refused to don the mantle and Sushil Kumar Shinde has lagged behind, its Kharge who has emerged stronger given the situation. .

Once Kharge's name is decided, there will be four Vice Presidents under him representing four regions- East, West, North & South. This is what Rahul Gandhi is reported to have tossed the idea before his confidants when he met them last week.

One of the Vice presidents could be Priyanka Vadra (North), Gaurav Gogoi (North East), Mukul Wasnik (West) or Jyotiraditya Scindia and K C Venugopal (South). Venugopal was incharge of Kerala and Tamil Nadu during the Lok sabha polls and came out with flying colours.

There was also a suggestion that Capt. Amrinder Singh be brought in as Interim president. But he is disinclined due to poor health and quitting the CM's post at this juncture. Though there are many in the party who believe that his acceptability is larger at this juncture and he would be able to give a fitting reply to the BJP too. In the event of Priyanka Gandhi opting out, the name of Selja is doing the rounds.

Rahul determined to quit, No formula acceptable

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Rahul determined to quit, No formula acceptable

Blew his Top over CWC leak !

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, May 29

The crisis in the Congress showed no signs of easing with Rahul Gandhi firm on quitting party chief's post. He rather went a step further and told the CWC to find a new leader outside the Gandhi family to lead it and there is no going back.

An extremely upset Rahul Gandhi not only refused to meet senior party leaders after two tumultuous meetings- May 25 and May 27- but take their calls. Senior party leaders had gone to his 12 Tughlaq Lane residence yesterday to persuade him to reconsider his decision. Instead, he sped away in his Honda car with his pet. He did not even alert the SPG commandos guarding him 24X7 before leaving in a huff. Later, he was tracked at his sister Priyanka Vadra's Lodi Estate residence. He made it clear that he wants to give a free hand to the leader selected by the CWC.

Now on Priyanka Gandhi will interact with the party leaders.

Rahul Gandhi is virtually blew his top when he discovered that the deliberations at the extended CWC on May 25 were recorded and leaked by a member to a TV channel. The TV channel even broadcast the 30 second clip. Later, the clip was withdrawn. But someone sent the clip to Rahul Gandhi on his mobile and Rahul stunned everybody by telling them that “one of us has even leaked what is going on here.”

It is here when he said there are people who want to destroy the Congress from within. He also rapped a leader who left for London in the midst of the campaign.

Though there are many senior leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad, A K antony, Motilal Vora and Shiela Dixit for the interim party chief post, Mallikarjun Kharge's prospects seems bright.

Sheila Dikshit has been quoted as saying it is difficult for party leaders to come to any conclusion now.

Even party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had hinted of the leak saying, “we expects everyone, including the media, to respect the sanctity of a closed-door meeting of the CWC.”

ends 

No cake-walk for Priyanka, Scindia in UP

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

News analysis

No cake-walk for Priyanka, Scindia in UP

Congress to focus on 25 Lok Sabha seats

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Jan. 24

Stiff challenge awaits Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in UP East when she returns from the USA in the first week of February to take charge of her first formal political assignment. She along with her family members, has gone there for a medical check up of a family member three weeks ago, sources say. Her entry in UP East is not a cake-walk but like a greenhorn in the Lion's den. She has been given the charge of those 33 Lok Sabha seats where the Congress had drawn a big Zero in 2014 parliamentary polls. If anyone thought that Priyanka Gandhi has been rewarded by her brother Rahul or it is a bed of roses for her or a big favour, he is sadly mistaken. Its a deft, crafty political move where the Gandhi scion knew he will have to fight it all alone now. After all, party stalwarts Ghulam Nabi Azad included, failed during the past three decades to revive the Congress in UP. Left high and dry by the SP-BSP with only two seats (Amethi & Rae Bareli), Rahul could find only her sister for UP East and and trusted colleague Jyotiraditya Scindia for UP West. The UP West includes regions like Bundelkhand, Ruhelkhand and western part accounting for 30 odd-Lok Sabha seats. It must be borne in mind that when the Congress won 21 Lok Sabha seats in UP in 2009, 15 came from Eastern part while six from other regions. The Congress had a vote share of 10% in UP East compared to 4.90% in UP West. It may also be worthwhile to mention that it contested 67 seats out of 80 in 2014.

But surely, 2019 is not 2009 and Priyanka and Scindia would have to fight for every vote in their respective battle ground. Congress insiders say that the Congress would not contest all the 80 seats as was declared by Ghulam Nabi Azad. In fact, one of the reasons for him being shifted to the small state of Haryana was his suo-moto declaration of taking on SP-BSP too. Rahul Gandhi has made it clear that seats and candidates be selected with the objective to defeat the BJP and improve party's own tally. It is also clearly emerging that the Congress will focus on 25 Lok Sabha seats where it will put up strong candidates.

It had a formidable presence in nine Lok Sabha constituencies and strong in another five besides winning two seats in 2014. Therefore, it had a reasonable case of getting 10 Lok Sabha in the bargain with the SP-BSP. Since it couldn't happen, it will now focus on

Barabanki (2nd), Kushinagar (2nd), Mirzapur (3rd), Pratapgarh (3rd) and Varanasi (3rd). Of course, in Varanasi, there is already a talk of putting up a joint Opposition candidate in Shatrughan Sinha. Similarly, the Congress was second in Saharanpur, Ghaziabad (Raj Babbar contested), Lucknow (Rita Bahuguna Joshi joined BJP after being defeated), Kanpur (Sriprakash Jaiswal) and Kheri constituencies. It was pushed to third position in Rampur, Unnao, Farrukhabad (Salman Khurshid). With the young Rahul team taking over UP, the Congress workers will surely be enthused and galvanized. But it is certainly not a red carpet that awaits Priyanka and Scindia. Its a long, hard battle ground.

ends