Karti Chidambaram Urges Cessation of 'Phantom' IYC Membership Campaign
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New Delhi, Dec 1 (NationPress) The ambitious membership campaign of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) has faced severe backlash from its own Congress MP representing Sivaganga, Karti Chidambaram.
Karti, who is the son of former Union Minister P Chidambaram, expressed his discontent on X this Sunday, strongly condemning the youth wing's ‘lethargic and sluggish’ efforts to attract new members. He advocated for an immediate halt to the campaign due to its disappointing and lackluster reception.
“These phantom/ghost Indian Youth Congress membership drives must cease. We are merely deceiving ourselves,” Karti remarked in a sharply critical statement.
His comments regarding the ‘ghost’ membership drive are likely to stir up fresh controversy within party ranks, as the IYC already faces numerous instances of dissent and internal discord.
The recent Assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra highlighted the existing ‘differences and divides’ within state units and the high command, following the party's dismal performance in both regions.
In Haryana, the high command's directives to collaborate with allies were overlooked, while in Maharashtra, the leadership's recommendations went unheeded.
Karti’s criticism of the IYC membership initiative can also be viewed in this context. Although it seems to receive the backing of senior Congress leadership, the outright disapproval expressed by the son of a prominent party figure is anticipated to create further tension among the top brass.
It is significant to note that the IYC initiated its membership drive across various states and Union Territories this year.
In July, Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav launched a membership initiative for the Delhi Pradesh Youth Congress (DPYC) ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections, stating that their mission was to embody Rahul Gandhi’s vision of ‘Neta Banao-Neta Chuno’.
In Karnataka, Congress state president and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar declared the IYC's state unit membership drive and internal elections in August and September this year, setting the stage for new and emerging leaders.
The Meghalaya Congress also revealed its intentions to rejuvenate its youth wing by holding IYC organizational elections throughout the state in November 2024.
The IYC, which is the youth wing of the Indian National Congress (INC), boasts over two crore members and claims to be the largest democratic youth organization globally.
