‘One family, one ticket gets Congress approval, but conditions apply

At the Nav Sankalp Chintan Shivir, Rahul Gandhi told Congress leaders that the party's connect with people was 'broken' and asked them shift focus from internal matters to outreach

- ADITI PHADNIS

The Nav Sankalp (new resolution) declaration adopted after a brainstorming of the Congress brass at a conclave in Udaipur will likely result in extensive changes in the functioning of the party, and a countrywide padayatra by Rahul Gandhi, along with mass contact programmes by the party, but many said it still fell short of meeting the electoral challenges looming on the horizon.

In his speech, party leader Rahul conceded that the connection between the people and the party had been broken and promised to rebuild it. He also rejected all charges of corruption.

"I have not taken one rupee from Mother India, I am afraid of nothing, and I will fight back," he announced amid cheers. The family is facing investigations into the functioning of several party trusts in which various members of the family are represented.

According to the Udaipur Declaration adopted Sunday, the party will ensure no office-bearer will remain in his post for more than five years. All party organisations, starting with the Congress Working Committee, will have at least 50 per cent members below the age of 50.