"Congress always open to debate.." party leaders explain after questions raised over UPA-II

When doubt was raised within Congress over the functioning of UPA-II, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Anand Sharma said, only a discussion can solve doubts and Congres is a party which always welcomes such initiatives. However, amid the tussle between veteran and young Congress leaders which has come out during a meeting of Congress Rajya Sabha MPs, leaders were seeking an "introspection" over the functioning of UPA government.

New Delhi:Congress goes on to explain over the achievements and failures of its government, after the discontent within the party came to the fore during a meeting, due to a verbal duel between party leaders, seeking an "introspection" over the functioning of UPA-II.

In retaliation to the remarks, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Anand Sharma tweeted, "UPA government was the victim of a grand political conspiracy and malicious disinformation campaign of BJP, political opponents and powerful vested interests. Six years later, what was alleged in 2014 stands proven false in 2020."

He attacked the leaders of the ruling party, saying, "Where are the leaders of the Campaign against corruption today? The authors of the conspiracy generously rewarded and the cheerleaders asking no questions."

On Thursday, internal strife of one-upmanship in Congress between the young and veteran leaders came out in open, during a meeting of party's Rajya Sabha MPs with Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

"It began when the senior leader and former Union Minister questioned the party's style of functioning and called for an introspection, alleging that seniors haven't got involved, anymore, in the decision-making of the party. This leads to a debate between the party leaders," said a party functionary to ETV Bharat, who was also present during a meeting.

To this, the newly-elected Rajya Sabha MP, Rajeev Satav, made a sharp remark stating that the party should also review the functioning of UPA-II and introspect about the reasons why the party was being brought down it's tally from more than 200 to just 44 in 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

"Congress as a democratic party is always open to a debate on its achievements and failures. Honest introspection and analysis are always helpful and gives strength to move forward," Sharma added.

After the meeting, Congress leader and former Union Minister Manish Tewari also asked in one of his tweets, whether UPA was "sabotaged" from within ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

However, in another tweet on Saturday, Tewari indirectly attacked Satav for questioning UPA-II, saying, "BJP was out of power for 10 years 2004-14. Not once did they ever blame Vajpayee or his Government for their then predicaments. In Congress, unfortunately, some ill-informed's would rather take swipes at Dr Manmohan Singh led UPA Govt than fight NDA/BJP. When unity required they divide."

"Manish Tewari has hit a nail in the head. The biggest problem for Congress is the party itself. In Congress, there is a lack of organizational energy, leadership and ideological differences," said former Congress spokesperson, Sanjay Jha.

When asked about the matter, a Congress MP, on condition of anonymity, said to ETV Bharat that the leadership issue is adding woes to the party and therefore it needs an "urgent" appointment of a permanent chief.

He further added, "Both Sonia Gandhi Ji and Dr Manmohan Singh Ji were present in the meeting. In Congress, we have the freedom to express our views and opinions, so we do. That doesn't mean we are divided. We always stand united."

Anand Sharma also made a clear point on this matter, by tweeting, "Congressmen must be proud of UPA's legacy. No party disowns or discredits its legacy. Nobody expects the BJP to be charitable and give huge credit but our own should respect and not forget."