Congress leader Shashi Tharoor arrived at the residence of party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad in New Delhi on Wednesday to attend the Congress G-23 meeting. (ANI photo)
NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over the “disappointing” electoral debacle and frequent defection from the Congress, the disgruntled G-23 bloc on Wednesday said “collective and inclusive decision-making” is the only solution to put the party in trouble.
Importantly, Ginger Group chief Ghulam Nabi Azad is likely to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi soon, even on Thursday morning, to discuss the issues raised by the letter-writers. It is learned that Sonia reached Azad on Wednesday morning. G-23 leaders had dinner at Azad’s residence.
However, despite the outreach, the dinner discussion of dissidents went beyond the usual hold to express serious concern over the stability of the Congress, with many feeling that the party could be marginalized in other states such as UP unless drastic reforms were introduced. were done. Immediately. Attendees also criticized recent appointments for the post-debacle reorganization, arguing that ‘problems’ were being asked to find ‘solutions’. The resolution to the crisis proposed in the CWC meeting on Sunday was described as inadequate and cosmetic.
The G23 is likely to seek to replace a key functionary in the AICC who is close to Rahul Gandhi but has been in the crosshairs of dissidents. The dissidents, who intensified their activities after the defeat of the Congress in five state elections, issued a statement stressing the need to partner with like-minded parties to take on the BJP.
It said, “We believe that the only way forward for the Congress is to adopt a model of collective and inclusive leadership and decision-making at all levels. It is necessary to strengthen the Congress to oppose the BJP. We will seek Congress by 2024.” The meeting seeks to initiate dialogue with other like-minded forces to create a platform to pave the way for a credible alternative. Next steps will be announced soon.” The attacks took place in the background.
Some mediators including Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot recently reached out to the dissidents to urge reconciliation. If Azad meets Sonia, the acceptable settlement will be known. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be the other players in the final result.
The dinner was attended by some letter-writers including MP Shashi Tharoor, while once Gandhi family loyalist Mani Shankar Aiyar was also joined by Punjab MP Preneet Kaur, wife of ousted former CM Amarinder Singh, former Haryana speaker Kuldeep Sharma. , Gujarat leader Shankersinh Vaghela and Punjab stalwart Rajinder Kaur Bhattal – all five former CMs.
Interestingly, the dinner venue was shifted from Kapil Sibal’s residence to Azad’s residence, as it was felt that their recent demand to leave the Congress leadership to the Gandhi family was seen as provocative. which could make reconciliation difficult.