Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 6: The Indian Youth Congress has suspended 202 office-bearers across seven states for allegedly failing to attend the INDIA bloc’s ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally held at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on November 1.

The disciplinary action covers office-bearers from Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, according to party sources.

Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest number of suspensions at 60, followed by Gujarat with 49, Jharkhand with 32, West Bengal with 26, Telangana with 14, Uttar Pradesh (Central) with 11 and Haryana with 10.

Those suspended include state Youth Congress vice-presidents, general secretaries and secretaries.

Sources said the office-bearers had been asked to explain their absence from the rally. However, their responses were reportedly found unsatisfactory, prompting the organisation to initiate disciplinary action. Further action against office-bearers from other states is also being considered.

In a statement on X, the Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress said the suspensions were carried out in accordance with directions from the national leadership. It described the absence of office-bearers from the November 1 rally as organisational indiscipline and announced that the suspensions would remain in force until further orders.

The BJP criticised the Congress over the decision, targeting Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan alleged that the absence of Youth Congress office-bearers reflected a lack of confidence in Gandhi's leadership. He also criticised the Congress over the suspensions and challenged Gandhi to participate in a debate in Parliament.

The INDIA bloc had organised the rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 to protest against alleged vote theft. The gathering was chaired by Rahul Gandhi and held at his initiative.