'Infighting hurting Congress': Kharge schools own party at key meet
What's the story
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called for unity and discipline within the party at a recent Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.
The meeting was called to analyze the party's defeats in the Haryana and Maharashtra elections.
Kharge stressed that infighting and anti-party remarks were undermining the party's success, saying "Unless we fight elections unitedly and stop making statements against each other, how will we be able to defeat our opponents politically?"
Strategy shift
Kharge calls for accountability, strategy evolution
Further, Kharge stressed the need for "tough decisions" to fix accountability and the party's shortcomings.
He asked leaders to learn from their defeats in elections and formulate plans to counter rival propaganda and misinformation.
The Congress chief also raised questions on the electoral process, saying Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) made it "suspect."
He urged the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections in India.
Grassroots focus
Kharge advocates grassroots strengthening, addresses economic issues
Kharge said that state assembly polls shouldn't be fought on national issues and called for strengthening the party's organizational structure from grassroots to the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
He said despite a favorable atmosphere during elections, it didn't translate into victory.
The Congress chief also addressed economic issues, asserting that unemployment, inflation, and economic inequality remain pressing concerns in India.
Party discipline
Kharge highlights need for discipline, change within Congress
Kharge stressed the need to prepare for future polls beforehand and examine electoral rolls properly.
He stressed on the need for discipline in the party while admitting that changes are required at all levels to make Congress stronger in the upcoming elections.
"Therefore, it is important that we strictly follow discipline. We have to remain united under all circumstances," he said during the meeting.