New Delhi, May 25 (DHNS) : Sonia Gandhi on Saturday was elected chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) by members of the newly-elected Lok Sabha and their colleagues in the Rajya Sabha.
Gandhi’s name was proposed by Congress veteran Mallikarjun Kharge for the chairperson’s position and was seconded by senior Assam leader Biren Singh Engti and Mohsina Kidwai. Members then unanimously endorsed the proposal.
Gandhi used the occasion to deliver a pep talk to members, who had seen their party crash to a mere 44 seats from the 206 it captured in the 2009 general elections. “Being in the opposition means more regular attendance, more hours inside the House and more study of subjects. It means asking more questions, raising more issues, initiating more debates, and always being a vigilant watchdog, standing up for our record of achievements…,” she said
In the previous Lok Sabha, Gandhi had to send out several reminders to members to ensure their presence in the house during the session.
Pointing out that the party failed to adequately gauge the extent of the voter’s anger, Gandhi asked members to understand the reasons for it and take corrective measures.
“We have to individually and collectively draw the appropriate lessons from this unprecedented setback,” Gandhi said.
She also sought inputs from the members on steps needed to revamp the party organisation at all levels. “Your inputs, your experience, and your assessment of our strengths and weaknesses – rather than public acrimony – will be critical to the exercise,” Gandhi said.
This is also seen as a warning to party functionaries who are engaged in settling personal rivalries in the aftermath of the Lok Sabha defeat.