Raj Babbar denies offering to quit UPCC chief’s post

Despite the actor-turned-politician’s rebuttal, partymen close to him said he was upset over accusations of making “irregular appointments”.

Speculations over reports of Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Raj Babbar’s purported resignation offer on Tuesday evening subsided nearly a day later, with the actor-turned-politician denying any such occurrence.

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar addresses a press conference at the party office in Lucknow. (PTI File)

“I cannot say yes or no to an issue that has not taken place. A resolution was passed at the plenary session, authorising Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to restructure the organisation (hinting that the party’s existing structure will be changed). This is a bit technical,” he said on Wednesday evening.

Although Babbar refused to admit that he had offered to quit, partymen close to him said he was upset over accusations of making “irregular appointments”. He had been telling partymen about his resignation offer for the last few days, they added.

“I was given the task of inculcating discipline in partymen, ensuring respect for workers, and inducting young leaders into the party. I have taken steps to ensure this, but in the process, I may have upset some people,” the UPCC chief said in response to a question. “We exist until a new person takes over.”

Tiwari also denied reports of the resignation offer. “Babbar continues to be the UPCC president, and he has not quit,” he said.

A group of Congress activists shouted slogans and raised placards in Babbar’s support as he reached the UPCC headquarters.