LUCKNOW: Congress general secretary

Vadra’s plan to rebuild the party in politically crucial UP is facing stiff resistance from the old guard.

The discord in ranks was visible at the meeting of former MPs, MLAs, MLCs and 2017 Vidhan Sabha and 2019 Lok Sabha election candidates at UP Congress headquarters on Wednesday, when just 40 of the 350 invitees turned up.

Unhappy over the exclusion of old timers from UPCC, the veterans are consolidating to raise the issue with party president

and have held two meetings in past fortnight to voice resentment against the ‘undemocratic and ‘arbitrary’ way in which new leadership has been imposed on loyal cadres.

The first meeting took place at the residence of Siraj

in November first week. Mehdi had tendered resignation to Sonia in October, saying not a single Shia was there in the new team.

The second meeting on November 14 was ostensibly called to pay tributes to former PM

. “One leader even pointed fingers at Priyanka, saying Congress was not a private limited company,” said an insider.

The third meeting is likely to be held at former MLA Ranjan Singh Solanki’s residence in Noida where members of the delegation for meeting Sonia will be chosen.

Priyanka’s plan of giving command to young faces appears to be backfiring,” said a leader, adding the party needs to strike a balance.

Even Lallu is being criticised for appointing close aide Anoop Gupta as in-charge of administrative committee.

When asked to comment, Lallu said, “Congress is a big joint family, so difference of opinion is natural. However, each one of us knows how to keep national and party interest above personal opinion.”