Cong must rebuild cadre at grass-roots’
Thursday, 26/12/2013
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131226/punjab.htm#10
Chandigarh : Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari has said the Congress' performance in the recent assembly elections indicate that the party needs to rebuild its cadre at the grass-roots level.
In an interview with The Tribune today, he said he would again prefer Ludhiana as his constituency to contest the Lok Sabha elections. "Notwithstanding my commitments in New Delhi, I have spent at least 80 to 100 days in Ludhiana a year during my term. I have given my best to the constituency. The final decision rests with the party leadership".
On the success of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi, Tewari said: "We stumbled in presenting a correct perspective on many issues raised by the opposition. The AAP, for example, took the centre stage with allegations on Rs 1.76 lakh crore loss in 2G auction. A joint parliamentary committee later rubbished CAG's loss figures, but the AAP capitalised on the mythical figures".
He said: "The recent Delhi elections results have recognised the media's ability in creating new political dynamics. I think the people of Delhi have shown that they did not want a Congress government. The party should concentrate on rebuilding its cadre at the grass-roots level."
On whether the AICC would name Rahul Gandhi as its Prime Minister candidate in its January 17 meeting, Tewari said: "We feel it is the right time for Rahul Gandhi to lead the show. Party president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will take a final call on the matter".
On the selective approach of the Centre on BC status for Jat Sikhs, he said: "The BC Commission is looking into the matter in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Bihar, Rajasthan and certain other states. The cabinet has also sought the commission's recommendation in this regard".
