State Cong chief orders party men to woo youth on cricket field; members' opinion divided on the idea
State Cong chief orders party men to woo youth on cricket field; members' opinion divided on the idea
ADVERTISEMENT
If you happen to see Congress leaders wearing crisp white Gandhi caps and kurta-pyjamas playing cricket -- minus the cheerleaders -- don't be stumped. They are having a ball of time, not only because they have been bitten by the IPL bug, but also because, well, orders are orders.
The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCCI) has directed party men to organise and play cricket matches to involve the youth with the party.
This directive has been issued by MPCC president Manikrao Thakre to the party's 36 district presidents in the state to mark 125 years of the Indian National Congress. The INC saw its 125th Foundation Day on December 28 and the Congressmen have been asked to organise events throughout the year to attract youth.
While some Congressmen have found the idea amusing and are ready to play ball, there are others who have found the cricket idea quixotic, and have complained to the MPCC against it.
Some objections
The critics find organising and playing tennis ball cricket to attract the youth a silly idea for two reasons.
Firstly, they feel it a bit frivolous. And secondly, they say they do not like the idea of imitating another party.
"The history of the Congress Party is steeped in the independence movement. Hundreds of leaders and workers of the party participated in the struggle for independence from British rule. When such is our serious background, asking Congressmen to play and organise tennis cricket matches seems like trivialising everything," said a Congress leader on condition of anonymity.
Another Congress leader, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "This is Congress, and not the Shiv Sena, which had organised tennis ball cricket to attract the youth. Why should our party ape the Shiv Sena? Do we lack creativity?"
Ball set rolling
Abhay Chajed, city and district Congress president, confirmed that they had received the direction to hold tennis ball cricket matches and said they were already complying with it.
"We have organised cricket tournaments in Wadgaon Sheri and Yerwada. Congressmen not only organised the event through local clubs, but also participated in it," he said.
Congress MLC Mohan Joshi said, "It is true that cricket matches are being organised to woo the youth because of the cricket craze among them, but there are other things like flag marches and shows depicting the freedom struggle, among others, also being done to mark the 125 years of Congress."
Congress spokesman Anant Gadgil said, "Yes, I agree there are reservations from workers on certain programmes organised to celebrate 125 years of the party. But we will try to make improvements."
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
