Ranchi: A day after the Congress notified its new state unit and several sub-committees, voices of dissent began surfacing from within the party's rank and file on Monday. Finance minister and Chattarpur Congress MLA Radha Krishna Kishore shot off a letter to Jharkhand affairs in-charge K Raju posing questions over inclusion of several 'doubtful' characters in the committees.
Double Standards Alleged
Citing the alleged double-standards adopted within the party, Kishore said, "Workers want to know why was former minister Yogendra Saw, one of the pillars of the party in Barkagaon region, was expelled for three years on charges of indiscipline. On the other hand, Rama Khalkho, who publicly criticised the party, is now a member of the party's election management committee."
Questioning Committee Size
He also questioned the relevance of having as many as 314 members in the Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (JPCC). "The party should learn from the election results that have been declared across the country. Rather than having jumbo-jet committees to please everyone, the party must ponder over the right people for the state leadership," he said.
Nepotism Charges in Bokaro
In Bokaro too, the new office-bearers triggered sharp reactions with many from a single family named for multiple key posts. For example, Bermo MLA Kumar Jaimangal has been appointed vice-president of the state unit and also inducted into the political affairs committee. His wife, Anupama Singh, is included in the coordination committee, while Jaimangal's younger brother, Kumar Gaurav, too was given a role in the same committee. Gaurav is also the chairman of Jharkhand State Youth Commission.
Taking pot shots, Sanjay Tyagi, vice-president of the BJP district unit, said, "This is how internal democracy works within the Congress, which promotes dynasty."
Defense by District President
District Congress president Jawahar Mahatha, however, defended the decisions. "Party high command has chosen people with experience and grassroots to strengthen the organisation."
