Winnability a key factor in picking candidates: Mistry

In an interview to Saubhadra Chatterji, Madhusudan Mistry, Congress general secretary, says that the final list will reflect a collective choice of party brass.

In an interview to Saubhadra Chatterji, Madhusudan Mistry, Congress general secretary, says that the final list will reflect a collective choice of party brass.

How is the selection process for the 2014 polls different?
We developed our own way of short-listing candidates by sending our people as special observers and collected constituency-wise information across the country. We have also done internal assessments in each of the seats and submitted them to chairpersons of the screening committees. We have asked these panels to take the assessments and surveys into account while suggesting candidates to the CEC.

Are you looking for more young candidates this time?
Yes. Voters want to see fresh faces. But winnability will be the biggest consideration.

When will you come up with list of candidates?
The announcement will come very soon. And most likely it will be done in 2-3 phases.

So, we will see a Rahul Gandhi imprint in the list?
No, CEC will decide the final list. It will be a collective decision.