Bhopal. Not attending Congress' 'vote theft' rally organized in Delhi proved costly for 60 Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress officials. Considering the absence as indiscipline, the organization has suspended 60 leaders including nine district presidents with immediate effect. Interestingly, many of the suspended officials have cited family functions, death of a relative and illness as the reasons for not being able to reach Delhi.
This rally was organized on November 1 at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. Many prominent leaders of India Alliance including Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi participated in it. The demand for resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was raised in the rally. The national leadership of Youth Congress had instructed all the officials to participate in the program.
Action against 60 officials including nine district presidents
The names of a total of 60 office bearers are included in the suspension order issued by Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress on November 3. These include five state vice presidents, 14 general secretaries, 32 secretaries and nine district presidents. According to the order, the suspension will come into effect with immediate effect and will continue until further instructions.
The organization considered the absence of these officials as ignoring the instructions of the leadership and a violation of organizational discipline. However, some leaders who came under the scanner of action have cited different compulsions behind their absence.
Brother had a son after 12 years, that's why he did not go to Delhi
Maihar Youth Congress District President Saurabh Sharma told that a son was born in his elder brother's house after 12 years. There was an atmosphere of happiness in the family and their presence was necessary in the program organized on this occasion. He claims that he had informed the state leadership about the family program and had also sent the invitation.
Saurabh Sharma objected to the decision of suspension and said that he has been continuously participating in the programs of the organization. He says that before taking action, the leaders should have been given a show cause notice and their side should have been heard. He also said that he would appeal against the decision.
Some cited uncle's death while others cited illness as the reason.
Youth Congress General Secretary Rohit Rajouria told that his uncle had passed away. For this reason he could not go to Delhi. He claims that he had informed the state president and other officials of the organization about this and sought permission for not being able to attend the program.
Anuppur District President Manvendra Mishra cited ill health as the reason for absence. He admitted that he could not inform the state leadership about his absence earlier. According to him, his entire team had reached the rally and tickets for the journey had also been booked. Calling it a lack of communication, he asked to present his side before the organization.
Youth Congress Vice President Rajveer Singh Kudiya also said that he would not be able to attend the rally due to being seriously ill. At the same time, General Secretary Suman Maurya cited that he could not go to Delhi due to fever, cough and cold. She told that due to ill health she could not even answer the calls of senior officials.
Vice President was busy in younger sister's wedding
Youth Congress Vice President Shivraj Singh Yadav told that it was his younger sister's wedding and being the only brother in the family, the responsibility of the preparations was on him. For this reason he could not attend the rally. He said that he had informed his senior officials about this and is now waiting for the organization's decision.
State in-charge explained the reason for the action
Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress in-charge Shivi Singh Chauhan said that the decision of suspension has been taken keeping in mind the presence of the office-bearers, earlier communication with the leadership and their organizational record. According to him, no action was taken against the leaders who had already informed about their absence. The action was taken against those officials who did not participate in the rally and did not even inform the organization about it in advance.
After this action, a discussion has started within the Youth Congress regarding organizational discipline and giving the leaders an opportunity to present their views. Some suspended officials are preparing to appeal against the decision.