Congress MP Manickam Tagore was forced to make a pointed appeal to party workers at a special general body meeting in Chennai, asking those who wanted to see Rahul Gandhi become Prime Minister in 2029 to remain seated, even as Congress members were seen leaving the venue.
“Those who want to see Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister in 2029, please remain seated. My only request is that those who do not want that should leave, catch a train and go somewhere to watch a movie,” he said.
Tagore’s remarks came after Congress members began dispersing soon after senior party leader KC Venugopal concluded his speech at the meeting.
As members started leaving, repeated announcements were made asking them to return to their seats and remain until the proceedings were completed.
“We request everyone to remain seated. The meeting will continue,” the organisers announced.
Another announcement followed, asking general body members and local-level party leaders to remain seated as the meeting was still underway and other leaders were scheduled to address the gathering.
“The fifth resolution will now be read. We request all general body members, block, town and panchayat presidents, and circle presidents to remain seated. The leaders will continue to speak,” the organisers said.
Despite the repeated appeals, several members continued to leave the venue.
It was amid this dispersal that Tagore issued his appeal, effectively asking party workers who supported Rahul Gandhi’s potential prime ministerial bid to stay back.
His remarks came at a meeting where the party’s proceedings were still continuing, with resolutions yet to be read and speeches still scheduled.
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