Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 23: Notwithstanding the party being in power, the organizational structure of PDP is not showing healthy growth and strength, a trend that has become more conspicuous in Jammu province where party changed three general secretaries within one year. In Kashmir region too, things are not smooth in terms of organizational strength where at least two senior leaders have raised revolt openly for the last few months
Two days back when the PDP leadership suddenly nominated Ved Mahajan as general secretary, it came as a surprise for the rank and file of the party, said the sources adding that there was no whisper nor any indication from the high command that a new general secretary would be announced as this was done only few months back when one more senior leader Daman Bhasin replaced the then general secretary Yashpal Sharma. Yashpal Sharma, a veteran politician from Poonch was removed from the post soon after Assembly elections.
Sources said though PDP leadership considers Sharma as an asset for the party given his stature and standing in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, this move was seen more as a fallout of unimpressive performance of the party in these Assembly segments. Pertinently, Yashpal Sharma was elevated to this post and entrusted this responsibility amid a huge show of strength and celebrations. However, after Assembly elections he was replaced, almost in unceremonious manner and uncalled for reasoning, said the sources adding that this step instead of strengthening party cadre, further weakened and inflicted damage in certain ways in the party structure.
Daman Bhasin, also considered to be a senior leader of PDP was given this prestigious post only to be replaced in few months with VedMahajan making the entry this time. Both the leaders have enjoyed patronage of the high command and both are seen as loyal, dedicated leaders, said the sources adding that this is why it came as a surprise for many. High command has reposed trust in all the three leaders yet they were changed within no time, said the sources. High command has not actually showed any confidence on their political acumen nor reliability on their performance, sources further said. The fact also remains that due to frequent change of leaders at the helm, a strong organizational structure has not come up in Jammu province where the party faces many glitches in growth on other fronts too.
Sources said despite being in power, the party has not been able to make the party grow from strength to strength due to some avoidable steps as also not so healthy inner party democracy. Frequent change of leaders on key posts has not sent a good message and is in contrast to practices and precedence in other parties where general secretaries stay for at least two years. Pertinently, the party has mentioned in a casual manner the other day that the then incumbent general secretary Daman Bhasin would be given other assignment in due course of time, an expression which has not gone well , according to sources. |
