Stung by criticism of its Dalit interaction programme on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), the Uttar Pradesh Congress is drafting a code of conduct on how to behave in Dalit villages.
Stung by criticism of its Dalit interaction programme on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), the Uttar Pradesh Congress is drafting a code of conduct on how to behave in Dalit villages.
Inspired by Rahul Gandhi, UP Congress president Rita Bahuguna Joshi’s had asked party leaders to spend a night at Dalit homes on October 2. But the idea backfired when partymen flocked to the villages for a picnic. Rather than being a source of help, they proved to be a nuisance. Sources said Rahul was not too happy with the manner in which the programme was handled.
Some, like Moradabad MP and former cricketer Azharuddin, took their cooks along and had elaborate meals which included chicken biryani and kebabs. Others, like Kanpur MP and Union minister Sriprakash Jaiswal landed up at Dalit villages with tents fitted with fans, mattresses and soft pillows.
When Union minister Pradip Jain reached a Jhansi village after midnight, his supporters woke up every single resident as “mantriji had arrived”. There were exceptions. Union minister Jitin Prasad shun all material comforts and choose to follow the austere path shown by Rahul during his recent visit to a Dalit village.
Ripped apart by the media for its hypocritical gesture, the state Congress leadership has decided to make amends and the proposed code is part of its damage-control efforts. The first step in this direction is to organise Dalit interaction programmes on a certain day every month rather than once a year.
The new set of guidelines will also specify how many people should accompany a leader to a Dalit village. The food should be kept simple and preferably vegetarian. Tents, fans and mattresses are a big no-no.
Partymen will also be instructed to make their visits effective by taking stock of the implementation of government schemes with focus on the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.
Leaders will have to carry raw vegetables, flour etc since villagers will not be able to provide food for so many people. But the food will be prepared by the Dalits. The party leaders are expected to sleep on charpoys in the open and make do with whatever sheets andpillows available.
Though party leaders were not too willing to discuss the controversy, a few said one of the major reasons for the Gandhi Jayanti fiasco was the lack of clear instructions. Whatever may be the reason, the fact remains that state Congress leaders had frittered away the goodwill generated by Rahul’s visit with their juvenile antics. And for once, Dalit icon and arch rival Mayawati is smiling.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}