AICC leaders in-charge of States not doing their job: Veerappa Moily
Bengaluru: Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily indicated on Wednesday party general secretaries put in charge of States are not doing their job and called for revamping at the AICC level to strengthen the Sonia Gandhi-led outfit.
Asked to comment on the political crisis in Rajasthan, the former Union Minister appeared to back Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and also hinted that rebel leader Sachin Pilot should have patiently waited for his turn.
The Congress yesterday sacked Pilot as the Deputy Chief Minister as well as Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President.
"These days many of the youngsters are encouraged in the Congress party. But at the same time there is a need for well-tested leadership because you can't just neglect the veterans also," Moily told PTI.
Speaking in general terms, the former Karnataka Chief Minister said many of today's aspiring youth don't have patience at all and they need to have perseverance.
Pilot may deserve Chief Ministership but he should have waited for his turn, working within the party, he said noting that the 42-year-old leader was made Lok Sabha member, Union Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and PCC President by the party early in his political career.
At the same time, Moily said many a time, AICC general secretaries in charge of States are not "vigilant" and don't understand the problems faced by local party units.
"It (the Rajasthan-type crisis) can be prevented. Some of the (party's) disasters could be prevented. Many of the times, they (general secretaries) don't bring it to the notice of the central leadership, and don't keep them informed about developments and take immediate corrective actions," he said.
"These days we are not doing this kind of exercise whether it's northeastern states, or Madhya Pradesh or Karnataka, or any of these states. Many a time, vigilance on the part of high-command is also lacking. As a result, when everything happens (problem comes to a head) only then they become panicky, that's not the way," Moily said.
He recalled that he had earlier served as the party's in-charge of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry.
"We used to take corrective action (during that period) visit there. These days these exercises are not done. Now-a- days people who are put in charge (of the States) have no time to go there or be there, they don't undertake tours of the districts. You will have to understand the aspirations of leaders not only at State level but also at the district level, that's how you strengthen the party," he said.
"But at the same time, just like a man-eater, BJP also just waits for the opportunity. Their duty is to concentrate on COVID-19 and how to resolve the problems. They also divert their attention by (trying to) dismantle the non-BJP governments and they catch hold of these aspiring youth (from other parties) who are amenable," Moily alleged.
Congress has to reinvent itself by putting loyal leaders in charge of the organization in the States. It has to be reorganized right from the booth level. Giving importance to people who only come for power, position, and to leaders with money is not good, he pointed out. Consistency in loyalty is very important.
"In a month, general secretaries should be there in their respective States for 15-20 days. That is how all these problems can be solved," Moily said.
"In the high-command (All India Congress Committee), there should be a revamp."
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Regret participating in 'movement' that vilified ex-PM Manmohan Singh: Prashant Bhushan
New Delhi: Senior advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan has expressed regret over his past role in political movements that, he said, contributed to the vilification of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Bhushan made the remarks in a post on social media on the first death anniversary of Manmohan Singh.
In his post, Bhushan described Manmohan Singh as “a humble, decent, well educated and well meaning man,” adding that the former prime minister’s humility and decency were “seen as a weakness.” He said he regretted having participated in a movement that helped discredit Singh and, in his words, “helped a rogue regime come to power.”
Bhushan’s statement is widely seen as a reference to the anti-corruption movement that gained momentum during the second United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, when Manmohan Singh was prime minister. The movement, led by civil society activists, had targeted corruption allegations against the government and eventually reshaped India’s political landscape. Critics have since argued that the campaign contributed to undermining Singh’s leadership and paved the way for a change in government at the Centre.
Manmohan Singh, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, was known for his low-profile style, technocratic approach and role in shaping India’s economic reforms.
He was a humble, decent, well educated & well meaning man. His humility & decency was seen as a weakness.
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) December 26, 2025
I regret having participated in a movement that vilified him & helped a rogue regime come to power pic.twitter.com/6JWOrdCZdE
