Is Congress Dividing Its Own Ranks Based on Caste and Religion?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vishwas Sarang criticizes Congress for its candidate selection.
- The Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan is aimed at organizational restructuring.
- Accusations revolve around caste and religious favoritism.
- Observers are engaging with local party workers for feedback.
- The campaign's first phase runs until June 30.
Bhopal, June 19 (NationPress) Senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Sarang on Thursday accused the Congress of fracturing its own base by giving precedence to caste and religion in the selection of candidates during its current organizational overhaul in the state.
Sarang's remarks were in response to the Congress party’s ongoing ‘Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan’ (Organization Creation Campaign), which seeks to identify and appoint candidates for district and block unit president positions.
“I have learned that the Congress is placing undue emphasis on caste and religion while selecting candidates for district and block unit leadership. This indicates that the party remains entrenched in the outdated politics of appeasement. In doing so, they are fracturing their own ranks,” Sarang stated to the press.
Targeting Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Sarang accused him of steering society towards “destruction” by promoting divisions based on caste and religion.
“Rahul Gandhi preaches about ‘Sangathan Srijan’ (organization-building), yet his politics revolves around dividing society. He is mirroring the actions of Nehru, who never honored Dalits or backward classes and consistently disrespected Dr. B.R. Ambedkar,” Sarang asserted.
The Congress’ revitalization campaign is currently in progress across Madhya Pradesh, with 61 observers appointed by the AICC visiting districts to engage with local party members. These observers are gathering grassroots feedback and evaluating the party’s organizational capacity.
They are also consulting with candidates aspiring for the district president roles. The first phase of the campaign, which commenced on June 15, will continue until June 30. In the second phase—dates yet to be announced—observers will narrow down potential candidates for block and panchayat-level positions.
Upon completion of this process, a final list of suggested candidates will be presented to the AICC for validation. This restructuring initiative was initiated by Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Bhopal on June 3.