Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday indicated major changes in the organisational set-up of the Youth Congress and the National Students Union of India, saying office-bearers would henceforth be elected directly by members of these organisations.
Addressing an 'Adiwasi Melawa' (tribal youth meet) in Gadchiroli in eastern Vidarbha, Gandhi said the previous practice of nominating leaders (presidents) of these two organisations will be done away with and the members will elect their own leader.
"I will not select your leader, but you will have to elect your own leader. We are not bothered about his family background but surely, will depend on his personality and capabilities," Gandhi told the tribal youths amidst tight security arrangements at the meet held in a specially erected shamiyana in Gadchiroli.
"I want to bring changes in the lives of tribals in the country and want to see them play a bigger role on the national level in these two organisations," he said.
Virtually launching a membership drive of the Youth Congress in Maharashtra from this backward region, Gandhi called on youngsters to enroll themselves in large numbers in the NSUI and Youth Congress to strengthen them.
He also interacted with a couple of youth activists and answered their queries. He directed them to forward their grievances and problems to the chief minister.
Accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Union Minister of Social Justice Mukul Vasnik, Gandhi flew in to Gadchiroli by a chopper from Nagpur to kick-start his tour, to take stock of the Youth Congress membership drive in the state.
The Congress leader will visit Buldhana and Parbhani districts during his three-day visit to Maharashtra.
He will also attend a meeting of members of Parliament, members of Legislative Assembly and block presidents in Aurangabad, where Chavan will also be present. This is Gandhi's second visit to Vidarbha region within six months.
