Kesri To Dominate Proceedings At Cwc

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will meet here today to discuss a gamut of issues particularly the forthcoming presidential elections.

The crucial meeting is being held for the first time after the landslide victory of Sitaram Kesri in the election to the party's top post. Kesri's political secretary, Tariq Anwar, said yesterday the meeting would discuss the forthcoming presidential election and finalise the venue and date of the party's plenary session.

Party sources said the meeting could be held at Calcutta in August and the West Bengal PCC chief, Somen Mitra, has already discussed the issue with Kesri who is understood to be considering the proposal.

 

Tomorrow's meeting may be the last CWC meeting before the committee is converted into a steering committee as indicated by Kesri soon after his re-election as party chief. Kesri, who was reelected with an overwhelming majority on June 12, had told reporters that he was not averse to having a working president.

However, on further questioning, he had said it would be decided as and when necessary. Party sources said the issue of appointing a working president might crop up at today's meeting.

Kesri has been speaking very highly of UPCC chief, Jitendra Prasada who helped him get a sizeable number of votes from the most populous state.

The Congress chief, who might reshuffle AICC office bearers, was also expected to give some important responsibilities to Prasada.

According to party sources, he may also induct some new faces in the steering committee. Anwar said the steering committee will continue to function as the party's highest policy making body till a new CWC is constituted at the AICC plenary session.