Bhopal, Nov 15: Plagued by dissidence, Congress is making all out efforts to woo rebels.
In a bid to motivate losers in the initial race, All India Congress Committee (AICC) leader Digvijay Singh cited example of President Pratibha Patil, who was denied the party ticket was rewarded with the nomination for the post of country`s top post.
Addressing a poll meeting at Panchsheel Nagar last night, Singh tried to smoothen the ruffled feathers of former MLA P C Sharma, who was denied the party ticket from Bhopal South-West seat, said, "Congress had denied the party ticket in 1998 even to President Pratibha Patil."
"But, less than a decade later she was rewarded with the nomination for the post of country`s President because of her consistent loyalty for the party."
He urged Sharma, a strong contender for the seat, not to feel let down on being denied the party ticket and asked him to work for the party to ensure the defeat of the communal forces.
Even to placate the feelings of such candidates who have filed their nominations as independents on being denied the party ticket, Union Commerce and Industries Minister, Kamal Nath recently issued an emotional appeal asking them to forget everything and rally behind the party so that it can form the government in Madhya Pradesh.
Following an appeal, a known supporter of Kamal Nath, Asif Zaki, withdrew his nomination from one of the seats in Bhopal.
However, acting tough against those candidates like former ministers Mukesh Nayak and Balendu Shukla among 33 others who have joined other parties to contest the polls, the party has expelled them from the party for six years.
Bureau Report
