Aiming to reconstruct its depleted ranks, Congress launched ‘Sangathan Srijan’ with district president appointments nationwide. But in Bihar, the blueprint’s emphasis on upfront cash collections has triggered sharp backlash, deemed unfeasible by foot soldiers.
District contenders must muster 1,500 Srijan Saathi, each contributing Rs 50, totaling Rs 75,000 for the party fund. Block aspirants pony up Rs 10,000 via 200 members; state roles demand 1,000 to 1,500 similarly. The catch: fierce competition ensures most investments evaporate without reward.
Bihar Congress, out of power for generations and licking wounds from assembly poll routs, stares at further erosion. Sources confirm leaders’ dismay, quelled by top brass warnings against open revolt.
The Rs 50 ask jars against the modest Rs 5 national fee, amplifying cries of elitism in a state plagued by poverty. ‘How does burdening workers rebuild morale?’ pose the disgruntled. As implementation unfolds, this fee-driven model risks alienating the very base Congress needs to reclaim relevance, underscoring tensions between central mandates and regional ground truths.