Bhopal, Aug 11 (PTI) Buoyed by the victory in the Datia assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh, the state Congress on Tuesday decided to vigorously fight for the rights of youth, students, farmers, women, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
This decision was taken during a five-hour-long meeting of the party’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the party here. During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on the state’s political, organisational and public interest issues.
Earlier this month, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat, with Ghanshyam Singh trouncing nearest rival Ashutosh Tiwari of the BJP by 6,016 votes in the bypoll held amid students’ stir and differences in the saffron camp after senior leader Narottam Mishra was denied a ticket.
“Datia (bypoll victory) has sent a clear message of change in politics,” MP Congress president Jitu Patwari told reporters after the meeting.
“The party has decided to vigorously fight for the rights of youth, students, farmers, women, and OBCs in the state,” he said.
Targeting the government over issues faced by youth, exam scams, paper leaks, and fake appointments, he said, “In the coming days, alleged corruption cases in the government will be exposed. Congress will continue its fight, whether it involves a minister, the chief minister or a BJP leader.” The Congress does not merely want a change of government, but seeks to become an alternative for a clean, prosperous and safe Madhya Pradesh, he added.
Accusing the government of indulging in political harassment, he said that Congress will vigorously fight against injustice done to Congress workers, Dalits, tribals, and OBCs.
He demanded that student union elections be held through the direct system, and added that the Congress would launch a statewide movement if indirect elections are held.
Regarding the recent Rajya Sabha election issue, Patwari said that Congress has not forgotten this issue and will never forget it.
Patwari alleged that the Election Officer misused his position and, under pressure from the BJP, cancelled a Congress candidate’s Rajya Sabha nomination.
“Congress will not spare any official or individual who tampers with the democratic process under political pressure. The people of Datia have sent their message against the alleged crimes and corruption of the BJP government,” he said.
The June 18 elections for three Rajya Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh took a dramatic turn when the nomination of Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan was rejected on charges of concealing information in the affidavit.
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar said the victory in Datia has infused new enthusiasm among Congress workers, and this will pay dividends in the upcoming civic elections.
He demanded that student union elections be conducted through a direct system, 27 percent reservation for OBCs, and the rights of the tribal community be protected.
Singhar described the cases filed against Congress leaders and workers as political harassment, and said the Congress stands firmly with every worker.
The PAC meeting discussed the ‘Sanghthan Srijan Abhiyan’ (organisation creation campaign) and public interest issues, according to him.
He also said that student union elections should be held through a direct system. If necessary, Congress will launch a state-wide movement to protect the rights of students, farmers, and the general public.
Former chief minister Digvijay Singh attended the meeting virtually. Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha, former Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh, Dr Govind Singh, Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Kamleshwar Patel and other leaders were present. PTI MAS NP
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