Congress-youth wings disappointed at ticket distribution

Rahul Gandhi had promised to provide 30% tickets to the youth in the general elections, but only 10% candidates in the Congress' two lists are from the party's youth wing. No wonder, members of the youth Congress and National Students' Union of India (NSUI) are disappointed.

The Youth Congress were expecting at least 70 candidates would get tickets. However of the 260 candidates declared so far, only 25 are from the Youth Congress and NSUI.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) had directed all state units to consider members from the youth Congress and NSUI for contesting the Lok Sabha elections. Rahul Gandhi too in the brainstorming session held in Jaipur last year had said that youth will be made oart of the party affairs in all possible ways. "Winnability is the only factor being considered by the party to give tickets. If our candidates are deserving, they will get to contest the elections," said Jitender Baghel, general secretary of the NSUI. Beghel's argument has not gone down well with members of the youth wing. Many feel cheated.

In the lists declared so far, the party has given tickets to three youth candidates from Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala, one from Madhya Pradesh and one from Chhattisgarh amongst others.

In Kerala the Youth Wing candidates have got tickets from seats which have been dominated by the the CPI. "Both Alathur and Kasaragod have been stronghold of the CPI(M), where chances of Congress winning are very less. Our candidates have been used as fillers," said a Youth Congress leader.

In UP, youth leader Tarun Patel has replaced former Congress leader Jagdambika Pal from Domariyaganj. Pal is known to have much clout in the area.

In Delhi, where the party has already finalised its candidate for five out of the seven seats, efforts are on to make space for a youth leader. As a result the decision on two seats has been held up.

Rohit Chaudhary, NSUI president, aspires for a ticket from either South or South West Delhi. "Both the seats are dominated by Jat voters. Chaudhary who also belongs to the Jat community is being considered," said a Congress leader. However, sitting MPs of two seats, Mahabal Mishra and Ramesh Kumar, are not willing to let go off their seats.

The youth wing is hoping to get at least 50 seats for its active or former members. "The first priority is to give tickets to winning candidates. But for youth, giving a chance to contest and participate is like first hand experience. We are hoping that at least 50 youth wing candidates get to contest," said Roji John, vice-president of the NSUI.