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Prasada demands review of election process

Jitendra Prasada, the Congress rebel who took on Sonia Gandhi in the presidential elections, has demanded 'immediate steps to review the entire process of organisational elections' while vowing to continue with his struggle for internal democracy in the party.

In a letter to Ram Niwas Mirdha, chairman of the Central Election Authority of the Congress, Prasada said the entire election process should be reviewed and 'remedial action' taken. Prasada secured 94 votes against Gandhi's 7448 votes. However, he did not elaborate.

Talking to a small group of journalists at his Teen Murti Marg residence, Prasada said he has 'accepted the results' of the election and that 'his struggle for internal democracy will continue' at various party forums.

The result has not disappointed him, said Prasada adding that he has achieved 'what I wanted to achieve'.

"It is (his fighting the election) an achievement for the Congress. The message is there, internal struggle for democracy will continue," he said. He said the election also gave a 'positive programme to the party'.

In his letter to Mirdha, Prasada said, "I thank you for acknowledging having received thousands of complaints in connection with the organisational elections and your assurance that they will be looked into after the election of the Congress president."

"As the elections are over now expeditious disposal of these complaints in a fair and transparent manner is of paramount importance," he pointed out.

He pointed out that the practice of state Congress committees authorising 'an individual' (implying Gandhi) to appoint state unit chiefs is unconstitutional. The practice 'fosters both fear and sycophancy because those who oppose such decisions are labelled as disloyal to the leadership," he said.

He demanded that Mirdha 'ensure election of PCCs and All India Congress Committee members are held according to the constitution of the party'.

Prasada ruled out leaving the Congress. "Why should I leave Congress?" he asked.

When asked about allegations made by Gandhi against him, Prasada said, "I have replied to them."

"I did not make any frontal attack on the coterie (around Gandhi). I mentioned certain things that I felt were harmful for the party," he said.

Prasada avoided a direct answer when asked if he would contest the election to the Congress Working Committee.

The Congress: The War Within

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