Maharashtra Congress Chief Advocates Merit-Based Appointments
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Synopsis
In his first address as Maharashtra Congress President, Harshwardhan Sapkal emphasized the importance of merit in party appointments, rejecting any form of favoritism. He called for unity among party members to strengthen organizational efforts and combat opposition tactics ahead of the upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Merit and performance will guide party appointments.
- Favouritism, factionalism, and casteism are unacceptable.
- Party workers must disseminate Congress's message widely.
- Active engagement on the streets is essential.
- Focus on winning upcoming local body elections.
Mumbai, Feb 18 (NationPress) In his inaugural address after assuming the role of Maharashtra Congress President on Tuesday, Harshwardhan Sapkal emphasized that only merit and performance would determine appointments within the party, asserting that favouritism, factionalism, and casteism would not be accepted.
He urged the party leaders and members to unite and concentrate on fortifying the party's structure in the state, stating that it was time to fight rather than complain.
Sapkal, a close associate of Rahul Gandhi, encouraged party workers to share the Congress agenda with every household.
He criticized the BJP for attempting to divide opposition parties, insisting that the party must respond to such tactics by being active on the streets.
"We aim to develop a robust organization, and we have the leadership. However, we must link every worker and enhance their capabilities. The nature of conflict has evolved; we must engage actively. Now is the moment for action, not lamentation. In the near future, we will emphasize strengthening the Congress organization in the state and disseminating the Congress message to every home," stated Sapkal.
He reiterated his commitment to restoring Congress to power in the state and electing a party Chief Minister in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
"This struggle is not merely about social media or exchanging advice. It’s about taking proactive steps forward," he remarked.
He cautioned party leaders that merely acting as if they are united and making grand claims about their contributions will no longer suffice.
During his address, state Congress in-charge Ramesh Chennithala noted that while Congress emerged as the leading party in the Lok Sabha elections, it did not achieve the same success in the Assembly elections.
Chennithala pointed out that the Opposition had engaged in vote theft to form the government.
He urged party members to concentrate on rebuilding the Congress organization and strive for victory in the upcoming local body elections.
Vijay Wadettiwar, the Congress Legislative Party Leader, stated that while Congress achieved a significant victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it faltered in the Assembly elections.
"We must now work with renewed vigor. It’s not the numbers that matter, but the determination to fight, and the Congress party will endure," he declared.
He affirmed, "We will put in hard work and restore the Congress party’s prestige."
Senior Congress figure Balasaheb Thorat indicated that a new chapter is commencing with Harshvardhan Sapkal's appointment.
Thorat remarked that the principles of the Preamble of the Constitution align with the Congress's ideology.
The former state party Chief Nana Patole highlighted that the Congress had triumphed in several elections, including by-elections.
"There were projections that Congress would secure 80-85 seats in the Assembly, but the BJP ascended to power through vote manipulation. While Congress did not contest the EVMs, the Election Commission failed to clarify the increase in voting," he added.
