Laying stress on ‘dum' (an aggressive approach ) in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi made it clear that he would not hesitate to weed out the deadwood and dissenters, and give responsibility to ‘foot soldiers' ready to fight.
He said although the Congress was alive in U.P., it was still not in a fighting mode. On the last day of his two-day visit to Lucknow to marshal his troops, Mr. Gandhi wanted the battle to be taken to the enemy camp.
Addressing the Mahila Congress workers, chairmen and members of frontal organisations, cells and departments of the State Congress Committee on Sunday, Mr. Gandhi said party members should show some spirit and exhibit passion for change.
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“If you [the Congress] end up by winning only one seat even after showing ‘dum' [putting up a great fight] I will be happy, but it would distress me if you win 250 seats without displaying ‘dum'.”
The Amethi MP said it would not be difficult for him to recognise those who possessed the will to fight. “They will be the ones who would be given encouragement and a chance to move ahead, while the remaining would be relegated to the status of backbenchers.”
Mr. Gandhi felt that even if 70 per cent effort was made, the Congress would be able to win about 120 seats, enough to control the next government in the State. But, if full commitment was shown the party could form the government. He said winning the elections was not a big issue. “A bigger issue was infusing change in U.P. which has borne the brunt of divisive politics.”
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