Faisal Fareed
Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow
Lucknow, Dec 10: Two major political developments took place for the Congress in the poll bound-UP on Saturday December 10.
Firstly, Congress finally sealed its poll pact with Rasthriya Lok Dal (RLD) for the upcoming UP polls. Secondly, Congress yuvraj assured Muslims that a quota policy for them will be soon in place.
The first one eyed the Jat vote bank of Ajit Singh-led RLD while the latter aimed at the 18 percent strong Muslim community.
Rahul addressed his party workers and announced that Muslim reservation will be soon implemented. It will be based within the 27 percent OBC quota and will be given on the basis of socio-economic status of the Muslims. The move is seen as an attempt to woo Muslims who have deserted the Congress after 1992 Babri Masjid demolition. 'We have to do it before elections as it has been announced," he said.
Regarding the FDI, he stated that it will benefit the farmers and consumers as the middlemen will be eliminated.
Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh announced the pact at Lucknow on Saturday. The terms and conditions as known informally will be 50 seats for RLD and a cabinet berth for RLD chief Ajit Singh. RLD has five MPs in Loksabha.
Congress has declared candidates for 213 seats and will now leave 50 for RLD. There are 403 assembly seats in UP.
Digvijay Singh also asked his partymen to go full throttle against Mayawati led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). "No need to be disturbed about the happenings, Mayawati is to be blamed for all the misdeeds, you should focus on her," he said.
Over the growing resentment in party, Rahul warned that no indiscipline will be tolerated. Anyone protesting against the ticket allottment will be shown the door. Already several party workers have been thrown out of the party when they raised a banner of revolt against ticket allottment. Digvijay made it clear that district presidents of Congress will not be given tickets.
Meanwhile, it was informed that Rahul Gandhi will again tour the western region of UP from December 13. Rahul will be in Lucknow on Sunday and will interact with party workers.