Kharge review Congress poll prep in first meet

Mumbai: In his first meeting with Maharashtra Congress leaders on Saturday, newly appointed in-charge Mallikarjun Kharge might have realised that the toughest task before him is to bury the differences between party bigwigs. This was Mr Kharge’s first meet with these leaders after taking charge. The meet was scheduled to chalk out a strategy for the election year. Mr Kharge will visit Mumbai on July 8 and 9. This meeting is likely to start many pending organisational changes within state Congress.

In his meeting, Mr Kharge took stock of the preparedness of the state Congress. He specifically asked about the ongoing block committees. He inquired about why some leaders of the state Congress were not active in daily politics, said sources. He instructed state president Ashok Chavan to make sure all senior leaders are present at his Mumbai meet.

Leaders who were present for the meeting such as former ministers Nitin Raut, Harshwardhan Patil and Balasaheb Thorat, informed Mr Kharge about the issues that the party is facing in the state, said sources. “There are strong differences within the party in every district. The state leadership is making no efforts to resolve them. We can’t go to the polls in such a condition,” said a senior leader and former minister in the meeting. Mr Kharge was also informed about the party’s “pessimistic policy” in the state.

Mr Kharge asked all leaders to refrain from making comments publicly, which could harm the party. He assured them he would look into matters during his next meetings in Mumbai.