Cong in diktat crisis

Ranchi, Feb. 17: Congress leaders in Jharkhand are unable to decide on their future course of action following Rahul Gandhi’s advise to concentrate on strengthening the party organisation, even as he hinted that a formal decision on forming an alternative government in the state will be taken soon.

The dilemma facing the Congress leaders is should they first activate their campaign to form an alternative government or should they begin preparing for the next Assembly elections?

“It is true that we have been seriously discussing modalities for forming an alternative government. Unless the issue is settled, drawing up future plans is difficult. If the Congress decides not to form an alternative government, fresh Assembly election in the state is imminent. We have to begin preparations accordingly,” Congress’ Jharkhand-in-charge Shakeel Ahmed told The Telegraph.

He added that over the next few days, he will be in Delhi and will be talking to senior party leaders on the issue. “We don’t want to form a coalition that would crumble soon. We first need to finalise how the new coalition will be run, only then will we be in a position to talk to our allies. I too feel that the uncertainty should not loom large,” he said.

Congress legislature party leader Rajendra Prasad Singh opined that the party high-command was also busy analysing the “net outcome” of President’s Rule. But, as Rahul Gandhi during his meeting with state presidents and Congress legislature party leaders had stressed more on strengthening the party organisation than concentrating on grabbing power and position, the Jharkhand unit faced tough challenges ahead.

“Rahul Gandhi has directed us to hold regular meetings with party workers and develop better coordination with the party-in-charge. Proper execution of campaigns is his other important priority area. Further, as he has promised to visit Jharkhand soon, we have to give more attention to the campaigns than forming an alternative government,” he added.

Congress state president Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu too said his unit was prepared for both situations. He maintained that a meeting with party workers will be held soon to work out future campaigns.