MP Congress chief spokesperson says turncoats will also be given tickets

BHOPAL: On Wednesday while talking to reporters, Shobha Oza the in-charge of the state Congress media cell said that those leaders who quit on the party in past, but have now returned and have good mass connect also can be considered for a party ticket.

This statement comes after Kamal Nath the MP Congress state president, and state election campaign committee chairman, Jyotiraditya Scindia shared similar views on the issue at different occasions.

This is a twist for Congress president Rahul Gandhi as he had said that during his visit to the state capital in September. Rahul had reiterated that “paratroopers will not automatically get tickets and the claims of loyal Congress workers will not be ignored.”

Kamal Nath later said that there is no blanket ban on the tickets to outsiders and also depending upon the situation, a number of such candidates will be considered. A few days later, Jyotiraditya Had also said that the party may consider giving tickets to outsiders on the basis of a few seats, but majority of tickets will be given to the ones who have worked for the party over the years.

Shobha Oza is the third leader to make the statement. Oza told a source, “I said this in response to a question asked by the media. If someone had left the party, but have now returned and is apologetic for his or her act and is a winnable candidate, the party may consider such candidates. I do not have any name or number of such candidates,” she said.

Meanwhile, the BJP reacted quickly on this issue. BJP leaders said that Congress has failed to tie up with BSP and is encountering a dearth of candidates who can win the polls due to which the Congress leaders are not left with any choice, but to consider outsiders or rebel leaders.