Congress high command in dilemma

Bhopal, Jan 02: The Congress high command is in dilemma over change of guard in Madhya Pradesh in after verdict in recently held by-elections in Khargone and Sanwer. Removal of state Congress chief Subhash Yadav was imminent if Yadav’s son Arun was defeated from Khargone. Yadav had been running the defunct Congress in Madhya Pradesh for the past four years. Surprisingly, the party leaders never seemed so anxious to remove Yadav, but after the by-elections, scenario has completely changed. Almost all the party camps are eying Madhya Pradesh.

Political observes believe that Subhash is the only OBC leader working as state president in Central India, and in this situation, changing him would not be wise for the Congress particularly in election year. In absence of state executive body, the party leaders have already initiated preparing strategy to counter ruling BJP in the coming assembly elections scheduled in November this year. They further said that the way Subhash has helped Congress in the state; he deserves a reward, and not punishment. In the present scenario, taking action against him, would not send good signals amongst the partymen, they added.

Sources claimed that before Khargone by-poll, when the opposition camp was forcing Subhash to contest himself and he was adamant for his son, Subhash had offered to voluntarily quit the office if his son got defeated. Moreover, AICC General Secretary V Narayan Sami and other senior leaders had made efforts for change of guard, but AICC chief did not pay any heed. Since, Union Minister Suresh Pahcouri is completing his fourth turn as Rajya Sabha member, it is being speculated that he might be appointed state president, with a theory that Leader of Opposition Jamuna Devi would continue to represent tribal community.