Cong deliberates on strengthening govt-party ties in Maharashtra

Mumbai, Aug 23 (UNI) As part of its three day exercise to galvanise the party in Maharashtra ahead of the Assembly polls scheduled in 2009, the Congress today decided to focus on bridging the divide between the Maharashtra unit of the party and the coalition government headed by it.

Office bearers of the state unit Congress who interacted with AICC General Secretary Margaret Alva at the party office 'Tilak Bhavan' in Central Mumbai complained that party workers were not appointed on various Taluka, district and state-level government bodies since this government came to power in 2004.

Sources said Ms Alva also heard complaints against District Congress Committee (DCC) Presidents and the PCC office bearer in -- charge of districts and the state leadership was likely to replace all DCC chiefs, who have completed six years on the post.

Ms Alva expressed disappointment with the state unit's media committee for not highlighting the achievements of the state and the central Governments and extract benefit for the party in the state.

Sources said office bearers who met her individually were asked about their views on the performance of the state government and what they think needs to be done to strengthen the organisation ahead of the polls.

Ms Alva said she shared the disappointment of the PCC that ministers were not co-operative in strengthening the state unit.

''Ministers should move about in their allotted districts,'' she said.

UNI