Following the Congress’ abysmal performance in the assembly elections in Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam, criticism for the party has come from senior party leader, Digvijaya Singh, who has called for “fresh ideas and fresh functioning style” to revive the party.
Sonia Gandhi on Thursday had made a statement promising introspection following their decimation by other political parties in the states.
Probably referring to the ongoing discussions about “introspection” required in the party, Singh said that it is now time to take action.
Criticism also came in the form of a strongly worded tweet from Singh.
The surgeon does surgery and not we people. The surgeon is the Congress president. It is she and Rahul Gandhi who have to decide what action needs to be taken.Digvijaya Singh
Asked to explain his pitch for a “major surgery”, Singh said that its time to implement suggestions of changes in the party.
“Everyone is accountable and responsible for victory or defeat, no one individual,” he added.
He also recalled that after the 2014 general elections, a committee headed by AK Antony was set up to look into the issue (of Congress’ defeat). After discussions with leaders from the states, it submitted a report.
Singh also had a word or two to say about Mamata Banerjee, who is all set to return as the Chief Minister of West Bengal for a second term.
“I have high regard for Mamata ji. She left Congress because she did not get the recognition she deserved in West Bengal unit,” he said. But he was quick to add that Banerjee ideologically resonates more with the Congress than the right-wing BJP.
Mamata ji is more close to the ideology of Congress than she is to the ideology of BJP.Digvijaya Singh, senior Congress leader
Criticism from Singh was not reserved merely for his own party.
“BJP used to make corruption allegations against Himanta Biswa Sarma and now they have inducted him into the party,” Singh said, in an obvious remark against the BJP. He also added that Himanta Biswa Sharma will be “no 2 in BJP government.”
(With inputs from agencies and NDTV.)
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