Embarrassed over Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma’s public outburst accusing some Congress leaders of working as the ‘B’ team of the Samajwadi Party and taking money for ticket distribution, the Congress on Wednesday sought an explanation from the Gonda MP directing him to share whatever information he has within the party forum.
The Congress leadership has taken a “serious view” of Verma’s “damaging” allegations and AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh Madhusudan Mistry has spoken to the Kurmi leader twice since the controversy broke on Tuesday. He would meet the veteran leader soon to sort out the matter.
Congress spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit said that Mistry has asked Verma if he has any such information, then he must share it within party forum instead of going public. Asked whether the party is contemplating any disciplinary action against the Minister for attacking the State Congress leaders and even questioning the policy decision of the UPA Government about its 4.5 per cent reservation to minorities, Sandeep said, “The party has given him (Beni) the opportunity and asked him to give information. Based on it further action will be taken.”
However, Mistry tried to downplay the entire controversy by saying, “This is a matter of our party. I have spoken to him yesterday and this morning and we will also meet and sort out the matter.” He distanced the party from Beni’s charges and said that these are his personal views. But party sources indicated that Beni, who has the habit of putting foot in the mouth, may be sidelined like former External Affairs Minister SM Krishna. There is speculation that Beni is cozying up to the BSP, but the Congress has adopted a wait-and-watch policy and would not like to precipitate the situation on its own.
Mistry, who will be visiting Uttar Pradesh on June 28 — first time after taking over as general secretary in-charge —said that he would speak to all senior party leaders, Zonal in-charges, MPs and MlAs to take their feedback. His primary focus will be on strengthening organisation and preparation for the 2014 lok Sabha polls.
Terming as deplorable BJP appointing Amit Shah, who is out on bail, as incharge of the state, Mistry apprehended that he may try to polarise the State to come to power as was done in Gujarat. He also demanded that controversial IB officer Rajinder Kumar must be questioned not only in Isharat Jahan case but also in Haren Pandya and Akshardham cases to reveal the deep-rooted conspiracy. Mistry also accused the Samajwadi Party Government in Uttar Pradesh of poor governance, deteriorating law and order situation, high debt of Rs 36,000 and insufficient attention to development of poor and downtrodden people.PNS n New Delhi
Embarrassed over Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma’s public outburst accusing some Congress leaders of working as the ‘B’ team of the Samajwadi Party and taking money for ticket distribution, the Congress on Wednesday sought an explanation from the Gonda MP directing him to share whatever information he has within the party forum.
The Congress leadership has taken a “serious view” of Verma’s “damaging” allegations and AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh Madhusudan Mistry has spoken to the Kurmi leader twice since the controversy broke on Tuesday. He would meet the veteran leader soon to sort out the matter.
Congress spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit said that Mistry has asked Verma if he has any such information, then he must share it within party forum instead of going public.
Asked whether the party is contemplating any disciplinary action against the Minister for attacking the State Congress leaders and even questioning the policy decision of the UPA Government about its 4.5 per cent reservation to minorities, Sandeep said, “The party has given him (Beni) the opportunity and asked him to give information. Based on it further action will be taken.”
However, Mistry tried to downplay the entire controversy by saying, “This is a matter of our party. I have spoken to him yesterday and this morning and we will also meet and sort out the matter.” He distanced the party from Beni’s charges and said that these are his personal views.
But party sources indicated that Beni, who has the habit of putting foot in the mouth, may be sidelined like former External Affairs Minister SM Krishna. There is speculation that Beni is cozying up to the BSP, but the Congress has adopted a wait-and-watch policy and would not like to precipitate the situation on its own.
Mistry, who will be visiting Uttar Pradesh on June 28 — first time after taking over as general secretary in-charge —said that he would speak to all senior party leaders, Zonal in-charges, MPs and MlAs to take their feedback. His primary focus will be on strengthening organisation and preparation for the 2014 lok Sabha polls.
Terming as deplorable BJP appointing Amit Shah, who is out on bail, as incharge of the state, Mistry apprehended that he may try to polarise the State to come to power as was done in Gujarat. He also demanded that controversial IB officer Rajinder Kumar must be questioned not only in Isharat Jahan case but also in Haren Pandya and Akshardham cases to reveal the deep-rooted conspiracy.
Mistry also accused the Samajwadi Party Government in Uttar Pradesh of poor governance, deteriorating law and order situation, high debt of Rs 36,000 and insufficient attention to development of poor and downtrodden people.