Infighting in the state unit, the high level of dissatisfaction against sitting MLAs and the BJP's polarising campaign came up for discussion as possible causes for the Congress' defeat in the Assembly elections in Rajasthan at a review meeting convened by party president Mallikarjun Kharge at the AICC headquarters today.
Amongst the issues that came up for discussion in the meeting, as per sources, were infighting and the impression of the state unit being a divided house. The BJP's polarising campaign and its efforts to turn the focus to nationally resonating issues were also discussed. It was also pointed out that there was a high level of dissatisfaction against many sitting MLAs who were given tickets again this time.
However, it was also pointed out by some leaders that the state has had a track record of voting out the incumbent MLAs as also the government.
The party high command was of the view that a greater cohesiveness of the state unit in the elections, as was seen in Karnataka, could have helped the party do better since it has a robust organisation on the ground.
The meeting was presided over by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Among those who attended the meeting included former party president Rahul Gandhi, general secretary in-charge of organisation K.C. Venugopal, party in-charge for the state Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra and CWC member Sachin Pilot.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Randhawa said a detailed review of the results was undertaken and various issues were examined. He said a detailed analysis will now be undertaken on what the shortcomings that led to the defeat were and how to overcome them.
He pointed out that the performance of the party was not so bad as there was a very small difference in the vote share of the Congress and the BJP. In fact, the Congress' vote share had increased marginally over what it was in 2018, he said, adding that 8-9 MLAs had lost by a margin of just 300-500 votes. He said there was no discussion on resignation by any leader.
Randhawa said the rank and file of the party was already geared up for the general elections scheduled for next year. Like in the Assembly elections, the party will fight the parliamentary elections unitedly with full vigour and confidence, he asserted.
In response to a question, Randhawa said accountability will be fixed for any lapses that resulted in the party's defeat in the elections.
On whether there will be any changes in the leadership, he said there was no need for any changes when the party has not done badly.
