Congressmen concerned over lack of unity

Bhopal, Mar 07: In an election year in Madhya Pradesh, Congressmen are concerned over lack of unity and purpose among its ranks. The initial euphoria of appointment of Suresh Pachauri is subsiding and now Congressmen are dismayed to note endemic factionalism and individual show of strength.

It was evident in the manner in which MLA Ajay Singh took over as chairman of Madhya Pradesh Election Campaign Committee here on Friday. Significantly, Ajay was conspicuous by his absence when Pachauri had taken charge on February 16. Old timers in Indira Bhawan do not recall fanfare in assuming charge of chairman, Campaign Committee. They feel if such a ceremony was to be held, it should be under the aegis of MPCC.

Congressmen are concerned over the state of affair, as show of strength in Madhya Pradesh continues despite having decided in a meeting held at New Delhi to bring all the party leaders on one platform. Singh assumed office here on Friday in the presence of hundreds of party workers. Incidentally, State Congress president Suresh Pachauri was not in state capital on Friday when Singh assumed office in an ‘auspicious’ time. Ironically, Singh, who was appointed along with State Congress president remained absent from the rally of partymen taken out in Bhopal, when Pachauri had come to assume office. This issue was later raised time and again, as why all the senior leaders hailing from Madhya Pradesh were not present last month when Pachauri assumed office.

Party sources said that absence of those leaders having charge of other states and who are Union Ministers really face tough time to reach Bhopal and thus they expressed their inability to reach Bhopal. Pachauri himself clarified it several occasions. In today’s gathering, Pachauri supporters Mayor Sunil Sood and Rajiv Singh were very much present in the state Congress office. Similarly, Ajay Singh and Union Minister Arjun Singh supporters also remained presence at PCC when Pachauri took over. Congress workers are in the sate of confusion as what would be the situation in coming days. MLA Ajay Singh did not take out a procession in the city, but made a ceremonious entry in his new office in the premises of PCC.