State Congress president Rita Bahuguna Joshi's on Wednesday evening dinner has raised a few eyebrows in the party circles in Lucknow.
Joshi hosted the 'dinner' in New Delhi for Union ministers, party MPs and senior leaders from the state to discuss strategy for the 'panchayat' elections, privatisation of sugar mills and the ongoing agitation of farmers in west UP.
Her adversaries are, however, questioning the time and the intentions behind Joshi's move to host a dinner.
"Rita obviously wants to mend fences with her adversaries to mobilise support for a second term as UPCC president," said a Congress MP who attended the dinner at the India Islamic Culture Centre- the venue for the dinner.
"She has hosted the dinner when party's organisational elections are in final phases. "We are enjoying the delicious 'kebab' and other items. There has been no meeting of the UP coordination committee for a long time. So, we are also discussing the party's future strategy," said a senior UPCC office-bearer.
Joshi's supporters, on the other hand, insisted there was no need for Rita to indulge in dinner diplomacy.
"Rita has been doing her job honestly. She also enjoys the confidence of the party's high command. She has been opposing the Mayawati government tooth and nail," said another party leader, adding, "Wednesday's dinner will help Joshi normalise her relations with leaders opposed to her continuing as UPCC chief."
{{/usCountry}}"Rita has been doing her job honestly. She also enjoys the confidence of the party's high command. She has been opposing the Mayawati government tooth and nail," said another party leader, adding, "Wednesday's dinner will help Joshi normalise her relations with leaders opposed to her continuing as UPCC chief."
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