Congress pitches for austerity drive again

Post Sonia Gandhi's comments in party's plenary session, Defence Minister AK Antony asks state Congressmen to avoid extravagant lifestyle; partymen say it would be one tough act to follow

It seems the country's Grand Old Party wants to scrub off some of its grandeur. Adding momentum to its austerity drive, which was kicked off in 2009, the Congress Party wants its members to avoid indulging in flashy behaviour and vulgar display of wealth.


Defence Minister AK Antony has two bank accounts having a total balance of Rs 1.18 lakh

Defence Minister AK Antony, who is in charge of the state Congress, has written a letter to the Maharastra Pradesh Congress Committee and the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC).

Reiterating what was said by Sonia Gandhi in the party's plenary session in Delhi recently, the letter urges congressmen to stave off intemperance.

Dated January 3, it points to the issues raised by Gandhi and directs party members to follow-up the directions with action immediately. Party members say they have also been asked to avoid luxurious lifestyles involving five-star hotels and luxury vehicles.

MRCC spokesperson Nizamuddin Ryeen said, "The directive asks us to maintain an austere lifestyle as we are the common man's party. We will abide fully by the directive of the Congress High Command."

Best man

Congressmen in the state believe that Antony is a good example when it comes to preaching what one practises in terms of following a simple lifestyle. Perceived to be the cleanest Congressman, he neither owns any property nor any vehicle in his name. Office bearers say it would be a tough act to follow him.

The Minister has two bank accounts with State Bank of India, which had Rs 1,01,000 and Rs 16,919 last year. His wife Elizabeth, a government employee, owns the Kerela house he resides in.

Youth Congress workers have also been told to maintain a simple lifestyle.

According to the instructions of Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, members of the youth wing in the city claim that they have been asked not to organise grand birthday celebrations, or put up posters congratulating leaders.
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Besides, they have been asked to use hoardings only for providing information and issuing instructions.