PUDUCHERRY: In an attempt to rejuvenate the party, the new Pradesh Congress Committee chief A Namassivayam on Friday appealed to estranged leaders and those who deserted to return and strengthen the party ahead of the Assembly elections in 2016.
Addressing cadre at the end of a rally in front of the Congress office here, Namassivayam emphasised that only a united party can win the support of people and emerge victorious. Criticising the ruling All India NR Congress government, Namassivayam said during its tenure the party has failed to fulfil the aspirations of people. The NR Congress is rushing through with a slew of welfare schemes only to garner support for the next Assembly elections, he charged.
Pointing out that the Congress party, under A V Subramanian and Leader of Opposition V Vaithilingamm, had organised several agitations for the people, the PCC president reiterated that the party would work for the masses and assured to fulfil all assurances if voted to power.
Earlier, Namassivayam led the rally from Kalapet after paying floral tributes at the statue of Rajiv Gandhi and Kamaraj, and went around the town. At the Rajiv Gandhi square, there was great enthusiasm among the huge gathering of partymen, especially youth. Several NR Congress youth from Gorimedu and Thattanchavady areas were also seen among the crowd. Senior leaders V Vaithilingam, K Lakshminarayanan, V Balaji, M Kandasamy, former Chief Minister and Speaker M D Ramachandran were among those who greeted Namassivayam.