Sonia Gandhi delivers stern message to Congress ministers, chief ministers

The conduct of ministers, chief ministers (CMs) and those in high positions in Congress came in for sharp criticism from president Sonia Gandhi and general secretary Rahul Gandhi on the opening day of the party’s 83rd plenary session in New Delhi on Sunday.

“When we are in office, whether at the Centre or in the states, let it not be forgotten that it is the party that has made the government. It is the primary responsibility of those in office to be sensitive to the voices coming from the organisation and ranks. Party workers must be seriously heard and listened to,” Sonia said.

The Congress president was tougher with the ministers at the Centre. “Many party workers in states where Congress does not have a government have complained to me that our ministers do not fully appreciate their concerns. They make a valid point,” she said, adding that ministers must engage with local Congress workers.

Rahul Gandhi also called upon the ministers and chief ministers to spare some time for workers. “I know that running a ministry takes a lot of time, but workers should also get some time,” he said.

Addressing the same issue in a lighter vein, Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh referred to ministers who have become a bit obstinate and refuse to move as a “bull which gets stuck in the field and yields when the tail is twisted”.

He called upon the Congress president to give a push to these ministers.