Rahul Gandhi calls for unity in party ahead of BMC poll

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi talked of “fixing accountability” to Mumbai Congress leaders at a meeting here on Saturday which saw leaders blaming each other for electoral defeats.

Mr Gandhi called a meeting of select leaders to bring unity in the Mumbai Congress ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. According to sources, he told them that the party had been losing the BMC elections for the last 20 years because of those who recommended candidates but did not ensure their victory. He also asked them to suggest how to choose candidates — primary, members or recommendations — and told MRCC chief Sanjay Nirupam to give him a report within the next 10 days.

The sources said he also told the leaders that they should be ready to face consequences if candidates recommended by them lose in the BMC polls. Some leaders criticised Mr Nirupam’s style of functioning and said that the party has slipped to third-fourth position in Mumbai. They said Mr Gandhi did not encourage discussion on pre-poll alliances in the BMC polls, instead emphasised on unity within the party. He said his doors are open to leaders and they can meet him any time.