Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Ajay Rai’s absence from the Congress-led protest march in Delhi on Monday has fuelled speculation about his next move following his removal as the party’s Uttar Pradesh president and a confrontation involving his supporters at the state headquarters.
Rai did not attend the march to the Supreme Court, for which Rahul Gandhi had called Congress leaders from across the country. His absence comes amid a widening rift with the new state leadership and allegations of abuse directed at Dalit Mahila Congress leader Mamta Chaudhary.
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The developments have divided party leaders and workers. Some blame Rai and his supporters for the confrontation, while others hold Chaudhary and the new leadership responsible.
The question now being discussed within the party is whether the central leadership will offer Rai another assignment to address his grievances, or whether he could consider leaving.
REMOVAL LEAVES RAI UPSET
People familiar with Rai’s position say his resentment stems primarily from the manner of his removal as state president. He believes he was replaced without being informed beforehand and sees the decision as an affront to his standing within the party.
He also believes senior state leaders played a role in his ouster.
The alleged abuse and scuffle during new state president Aradhana Mishra’s assumption of office have deepened the dispute. Rai and Chaudhary had differences even before the confrontation.
Chaudhary has said she will complain to Rahul Gandhi and Rajendra Pal Gautam. She has accused Rai of being anti-Dalit and alleged that he previously failed to ensure seating for Dalit members at party meetings.
THE SAMAJWADI PARTY FACTOR
People familiar with Rai’s thinking say he views his removal as an attempt to ease coordination between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party.
His relations with Akhilesh Yadav and the Samajwadi Party have been strained. Pramod Tiwari and Aradhana Mishra, by contrast, are seen within the Congress as leaders better placed to manage the alliance.
Rai believes this calculation worked against him when the party decided to change its state leadership.
COULD CONGRESS OFFER HIM GUJARAT?
Congress leaders believe another organisational assignment could help persuade Rai to stay. They cite Ajay Kumar Lallu, who was given responsibility in another state after being replaced as Uttar Pradesh Congress president.
One possibility being discussed is giving Rai charge of Gujarat. He has repeatedly contested against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi and remained a vocal critic of him.
Some party leaders believe an assignment in Gujarat could offer Rai a significant role beyond Uttar Pradesh. However, the discussion remains speculative.
WILL HE CONSIDER A BJP RETURN?
A possible return to the BJP is also being discussed. Rai was with the party between 1996 and 2009 and was elected an MLA on its ticket three times.
Those familiar with his political career point to his earlier departure from the BJP as a sign that he may be willing to switch parties again if his grievances remain unresolved.
Rai is also keen to regain the Pindra Assembly seat in Varanasi. That ambition could influence whether he accepts a Congress assignment elsewhere or concentrates on his local political base.
For now, his absence from the Delhi march has sharpened questions about his future. Whether the Congress leadership can resolve the rift will depend on what role it offers him and whether he is willing to accept it.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
