Rajesh Mishra: 'Not in a position to advise Priyanka Gandhi Vadra'

Congress leader and former Member of Parliament (MP) Rajesh Kumar Mishra on Thursday, while stating reasons as to why he declined to take up his appointment of an advisory council to AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, said that he is not in a position to advise her. The Congress leader added that the party needs to revaluate their situation in the current political climate. 

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'Congress should introspect'

According to media reports, on being asked about his decision to not become an advisor to the AICC general-secretary, Mishra said that he had notified Gandhi’s office about it. Reportedly, Mishra further went on to say that, he is not in a position to advise Priyanka Gandhi. On being questioned if he was unhappy with new state executive for the Congress in UP, Mishra said that it is an internal matter of the party, he added that if Priyanka or Rahul Gandhi asks him, he will address his views. The Congress leader further added, "In the present political scenario, Congress should introspect. The party should promote ground-level workers and hardworking and devoted Congressmen.” Mishra said that the leaders should discuss their views on the party forum and the disciplinary committee should take note of statements made in the media by the party leaders.

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MLA Ajay Kumar Lallu appointed Congress UP President

The Congress on Monday had appointed MLA Ajay Kumar Lallu as its Uttar Pradesh President. Lallu replaced Rajya Sabha MP Raj Babbar. Congress further reorganised the State unit and added four Vice Presidents, 12 General Secretaries and 24 Secretaries. Rajesh Kumar Mishra was not assigned to any of the aforementioned posts but was appointed to the 18-member advisory council for Priyanka Gandhi.

Lallu is well known for being close to Priyanka who is the party's General Secretary (Incharge, Uttar Pradesh East). Reports have suggested that Babbar had offered to resign from his post in May, taking “moral responsibility” after the party’s Lok Sabha poll debacle. As per sources, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra chose Ajay Kumar Lallu for the position because he has worked on the ground and because she has seen his work before up close before.

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(Inputs from PTI)