Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Wednesday said despite much speculation, the leadership issue of the party was not one that was included in election strategist Prashant Kishor's presentation, which included "very impressive data" and analysis. The party, he told NDTV in an exclusive interview, might "take action on some of the proposals".
"PK plan had nothing on leadership issue. Didn't hear of any Priyanka for President proposal either," he added, referring to reports carried by a section of media. The leadership issue, he said, would be resolved by the AICC with internal elections by the end of August.
Mr Kishor, Mr Chidambaram told NDTV, had presented "very impressive data" about "elections, voting patterns - by segment, by demographics and candidates". "I don't think that the party has that kind of data in an understandable or retrievable form... His analysis of data was impressive. We intend to take action on some of the proposals," Mr Chidambaram said.
After months of negotiations and speculation about Congress acceptance of his offer to rejuvenate the party as part of it, Mr Kishor had turned down the party proposal to join its "Empowered Action Group" yesterday. His parting shot was a pointed remark about the party needing the "collective will" to fix its problems.
The Congress, Mr Chidambaram said, had not questioned Mr Kishor on his refusal to accept the offer made on Monday. The election strategist, he said, perhaps wanted to "retain his position as consultant advisor".
"He is perhaps advising TRS, TMC and Jagan Reddy. He probably wants to retain his role as an advisor to these parties... He has to work out what his relation with IPAC is after he had accepted Congress's offer," he said.
He, however, made it clear that the deal of IPAC -- the organisation Mr Kishor founded -- with Telangana Rashtra Samithi was not a factor for the Congress.
Sources close to Prashant Kishor and the Congress had indicated that the party was unwilling to commit to the sweeping reforms he suggested, which would have taken a chunk of veterans out of their comfort zones. From the Congress, there were broad hints about Mr Kishor's lack of ideological commitment – which included dissociation from other parties – and unpredictability.
Admitting that leadership is an issue – though not one flagged by Mr Kishor in his presentation -- Mr Chidambaram, said it is being "blown out of proportion" and will be resolved by August. The party, meanwhile, should ready itself for the next round of state elections.
"I am worried about the party's readiness, it will be too late by August. We have to get the party ready now - in terms of communication, in terms of election management, organisation," he said, pointing out that professional help is required now for election management.
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