Congress' four-day 'Chintan Shivir' starts ahead of Bihar poll

The four day camp helps cement factionalism in the party and broadbase its support among people

Congress today began its four day- camp here to cement factionalism in the party and broadbase its support among people ahead of the Bihar elections due later this year.

'Chintan Shivir' started at state party headquarters, Sadaquat Ashram, in the presence of Congress General Secretary and party in-charge for Bihar C P Joshi.

During the camp Joshi would try to cement factionalism within the party and discuss with district and block level party leaders ways to expand party base at the grassroots.

Playing down reports of growing factionalism in the party, Joshi told reporters "All is well".

Congress Legislature party leader Sadanand Singh, who is at odds with state party leadership and PCC President Ashok Choudhary, also laid emphasis on ending mutual differences for unity of the party.

The camp is being attended by Choudhary, Sadanand Singh, former Union minister Akhilesh Singh among others.

Recently, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi had held a separate meeting with Bihar Congress leaders and had issued directions to strengthen the party.

The camp is also expected to discuss issues of merger of old Janata Parivar in which RJD and JD(U) are important parties and the role of Congress in such a situation.

Congress which is extending support to Jitan Ram Manjhi government in Bihar and was a partner in secular alliance during bypoll to 10 seats last year has expressed reservation over reports of senior JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar canvassing for Aam Admi Party (AAP) in Delhi camp.

AICC member and state party chief spokesman Prem Chandra Mishra had recently expressed unhappiness of party leaders over Nitish kumar campaiging for AAP instead of Congress in Delhi.

"JD(U) shall remember that in Bihar its government has support of Congress," Mishra had said in a statement.

The Congress leader said he has drawn the attention of party central leadership on the issue and urged them to review ties with JD(U) in Bihar in such case.