Congress leader for revival of ‘rapid action force’

The Uttar Pradesh Congress has urged party chief Sonia Gandhi to revive the Congress’ “Rapid Action Force/ Sadbhavna Ke Sipahi” to deal with divisive and communal forces.

In a letter to Mrs Gandhi, UPCC general secretary Umesh Pandit said, “I am earnestly requesting you to consider the revival of the Rapid Action Force that you have contemplated and constituted over a decade ago when you have decided to step into active politics (sic).”

While drawing her attention on how she had appointed late Sunil Dutt the first chairman of the “Sadbhavna Ke Sipahi”, Mr Pandit said the party should re-activate such a forum when the Sangh Parivar is targeting journalists.

“The need of such a forum is inevitable as the BJP’s student wing and their supporters are attacking the Fourth Estate under broad day light,” he said, adding that the Congress should hit the streets to protect the democratic principles and rights of the people of all sections of the society.”

“Madam, I hope you, as my supreme leader and guide, would consider this request positively and entrust us Congressmen with the responsibility to fight for justice,” Mr Pandit said.

Meanwhile, the AICC is gearing up to fight all Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh on its own and is expected to complete the exercise of shortlisting candidates by next month. It is identifying candidates on the basis of a survey it has conducted through a private agency and findings of the party observers.

The party is not fighting the polls to form a government but to increase its strength and emerge as a credible alternative to the Samjawadi Party, the BSP and the BJP. If the BJP has been known for its divisive policy, the SP is identified with “goonda raj” and muscle politics and the BSP is known for corruption, Congress insiders said.

The party plans to rope in credible faces, heavyweights hoping that it would push their chances.