Congress to field youth leaders in civic, local polls

The Maharashtra Congress will field more youth leaders in the coming civic and local body elections, to counter the Shiv Sena-BJP-RPI alliance and the growing clout of its NCP ally.

The party is working out a strategy to implement general secretary Rahul Gandhi's policy by backing 30 per cent youth leaders in the upcoming polls. The nomination would be decided on elective merits, contribution to the party organisation and social sector, and not merely because they are the sons and daughters of senior party leaders. “These young men who enjoy reasonable following in their respective community and has a fair track record in public life, should be given an opportunity,” said a senior leader.

State party chief Manikrao Thakre hopes voters would support the party's move to nominate youths during the polls between November and February. Elections are slated for 195 municipalities, 12 municipal corporations and 27 zilla parishads.

“Maharashtra has set a new record with the registration of the highest number of youths from the party's youth wing during the recently concluded elections. It was a unique exercise that took place under Rahul Gandhi's guidance,” said Thakre.

“The Congress party is quite confident to maintain its number one position in the coming elections and nomination to youths will help achieve its objective.”

He, however, made it clear that elective merit of the candidate would be the primary criteria for being considered.

Vishwajit Kadam, the newly elected president of the state youth Congress, said: “The recently held elections witnessed that youths without any family background in politics or those who were working actively for the party at the block level and state level emerged victorious.”

“In the days to come, the Youth Congress will work hard to reach out to the people with various developmental programmes of the central and state governments. Nomination to youths during the ensuing elections will be crucial to effectively take on communal forces and parties which are running misinformation campaign against the Congress party in general.”

A senior Congress minister, requesting anonymity, said the party would have to take such measures as the Shiv Sena-BJP and their new ally, Republican Party of India, are making an all out effort to woo youths and encash on the anti-Congress sentiments because of several alleged corruption cases against party leaders.

Besides, NCP under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was aggressively pursuing plans to bring youths into the party fold.

Pawar along with party chief and uncle Sharad Pawar have never hidden their aspirations to overtake the Congress in the ensuing elections.