Gandhi talks tough, says infighting to blame for Cong's electoral woes

Against the backdrop of the Congress' defeat in the recently held civic polls in Mumbai and a few other cities, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi outlined the need for accountability and coordination among party activists.

Against the backdrop of the Congress' defeat in the recently held civic polls in Mumbai and a few other cities, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi outlined the need for accountability and coordination among party activists.

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"Our major shortcoming is in coordination, and we indulge in leg-pulling. If we lose, it is not because of the BJP. We ourselves are responsible for the defeat," said Gandhi. Gandhi's remarks suggest that the party leadership is unhappy with the infighting in the local unit. Some senior Congress leaders, including parliamentarians from the city, had encouraged rebellion during the civic polls, which contributed to the party's loss.

Gandhi's remarks came while he was addressing newly elected corporators and office bearers from across the state. "Accountability can be achieved by having a system in place, which has rules and regulations. We do not have any such system in the Congress party," said Gandhi. He called upon the party top brass in the state to act against non-performers and encourage genuine workers.

He also set the ball rolling for the 2014 polls saying that unity would once again help the Congress win. "We should now focus on the 12 districts where we are weak and ensure victory there. I see no problem in regaining power," he added.

The Congress leader's talk clearly impressed party workers. According to Congress youth leader Anil Mishra, Rahul struck a chord with party cadres. "If genuine party workers are given their due, the party will benefit a lot," he said. "Sycophancy is hurting the party which Gandhi is trying to eliminate."

Gandhi even allowed office bearers to vent their grievances about the functioning of the party and government. Complaints that came in ranged from issues like power shortage and lack of accountability to the uneasy alliance with the NCP.