(REOPENS DEL118)

Leaders also hinted at a disconnect between the party and the government both at the Centre as well as in many of the states. Bihar CLP leader Sadanand Singh spoke at length about the trail of defeat Congress witnessed in the state since more than two decades. Today's deliberations assume significance as Assembly elections in nine states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Delhi, are scheduled this year while the Lok Sabha polls are just 15 months away. Party general secretary Janardan Dwivedi said that the interaction today saw the participants discussing different political situations prevailing in different states. He said the interaction also touched upon the challenges before the party in the election going states. The meeting also saw some PCC chiefs seeking one to one interaction with Gandhi, which he promised will happen soon. Dwivedi said that 49 persons were called of which 45 attended the interaction programme. Modhwadia also said that the aspirations of urban voters ought to be addressed, arguing that they are not concerned only with bread and butter but other issues as well.