Cong oldtimers upset over new AICC members’ list

Though the names figuring in prestigious All India Congress Committee (AICC) list are yet to be made public, omissions and submissions have brought turf war identical to the party out in open. Major resentment is about sidelining old timers in the party who have allegedly been replaced by ‘outsiders’ having made little or no contribution in recruiting members during the all important membership drive the Congress had seen just recently.

The Pioneer is in possession of the entire list having 50 AICC members while five leaders have been adjusted against lesser significant ex-officio segment. Names of incumbent Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ajoy Kumar, daughter of former PCC chief and Rajya Sabha MP Pradeep Balmuchu, Chandmani Balmuchu, newcomers like Bajrangi Yadav and Pranav Jha have been given the prestigious position while former PCC president and Lohardaga MLA Sukhdeo Bhagat can only find place in the ex-officio members’ list.

“Ajoy Kumar has not made a single member during the membership drive. There are 17 such members who have not recruited any member but they are AICC members! District presidents whose performance was very poor like Chandra Shekhar Shukla, Kesav Mahto Kamlesh, Rajesh Kacchap have been made members. Even Bajrangi Prasad Yadav who had fought last election against the Congress is in the list,” said a party leader.

Unrest is also over allegedly overlooking women in the list. Against 10 women into the 34 member AICC last time from the State, just eight ladies have found their names this time despite the strength going up to 50.

“Even instructions of Rahul Gandhi have not been followed in making AICC members. He had told to give at least 30-35 per cent representation of youths but only three members named are below 40 years. Height of one-upmanship is that the list forwarded by Pradesh Returning Officer Charandas Mahant was sidelined to induct favorites of Ajoy Kumar and RPN Singh (Jharkhand in-charge),” said a senior leader.

The exercise holds significance since the Congress has called three-day AICC meeting between March 16 and 18 where the newly named members would be able to represent the State going to poll in 2019-20. Some voices have started coming out opposing the list including former MP Subodh Kant Sahay, KN Tripathi and others.

“The leaders responsible for inducting insignificant names are keeping the list into warps as of now so that open rebellion can be averted. It is expected that just before the AICC meeting, the names would be disclosed. As of now only named members are being contacted and apprised about their induction on personal level,” said a former MLA whose name found missing.

Nevertheless the PCC chief maintained that it happens when ever there is change of guard. “New leadership has taken oven at top level and it brings new faces down the order as well. Those who find their names missing would obviously be complaining,” said he.