Congress’ Delhi leadership has constituted a five-member fact-finding committee to study why the party won only five seats after contesting 28 constituencies in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly election.
As part of the review, Congress candidates who lost in 23 constituencies were recently called to the party’s state headquarters, Sathyamurthy Bhavan in Chennai. The discussions were held with candidates and constituency in-charges by AICC observers Girish Chodankar and Nivedith Alva, along with state functionaries.
During the interactions, candidates and district presidents reportedly blamed each other for the defeats. The review also indicated that funds provided by the party leadership for election expenses were not spent by candidates.
The newly formed committee includes former MP Jayakumar, Tamil Nadu Congress vice-presidents Hidayathullah and Swarna Sethuraman, former AICC secretary Meiyappan, and Kamalatchi. The panel will probe the defeat and alleged financial irregularities and is expected to submit its report within 60 days.
With the inquiry set to begin soon, defeated candidates are said to be anxious. Delhi sources indicated that if irregularities are established, those found responsible may not be given future tickets or party posts.
