India, Sept. 30 -- Patiala Congress MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi, considered close to party leader Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday criticised the appointment process of halqa (constituency) in-charges, saying it was designed to "snub and sabotage the rise of young, committed leaders".

In a post on Facebook, Dr Gandhi questioned the move, saying: "Who are these halqa in-charges? They are mostly candidates who could not make it to the Vidhan Sabha, with some even losing their deposits. Who appointed them? Where are their appointment orders? The leader concerned should make them public."

The two-time MP was referring to the recent party events in eight assembly segments of Patiala district, where halqa in-charges sidelined young Congress leaders and w...