Congress president Sonia Gandhi will not host its customary iftar party this year. A senior Congress leader said she would not organise iftar but would distribute ration among the poor instead.
Gandhi had hosted an iftar party last year but did not do so in some years, which were marked by natural calamities, including drought.
According to NDTV report, Congress say the cancellation is due to the absence of Rahul Gandhi, the Congress vice-president, who is currently on a foreign visit.
Congress leaders are hoping that Rahul is promoted to the post of party president soon; the party’s debacle in the recent round of Assembly elections notwithstanding. Congress spokesperson, Randeep Surjewala, gave an indication of the change on 19 May.
Media reports suggest that the party felt that iftar celebrations without Rahul Gandhi will send confusing signals. Reports also suggest that in the wake of recent developments over the Goods and Services Tax bill, the party feels isolated politically.
The party has announced that they would distribute sweets to underprivileged children instead.
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