Bengaluru: All India Congress Committee (AICC) Vice President Rahul Gandhi said on Monday that the party would give tickets for the next assembly election in Karnataka for only those who work for the party at grassroots level and those who have strong mass connect.

Addressing the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) General Body meeting here as part of party’s preparations for the 2018 Assembly election, Rahul made it clear that the days of “helicopter system of giving tickets is over. Tickets would be given only for those who interact freely with the people, working for the party with commitment, and having strong grassroot connect.” Which effectively means an end to the system of doling out tickets for those who are ‘well connected’ or with moneybags without mass appeal.

Ministers, legislators and even those who consider themselves as big leaders in the party cannot afford to be complacent, Rahul cautioned as he said, “whether someone is a big leader or a humble party worker, ticket would be given only if the ticket aspirant is working for the party at grassroot level, has been actively involved in propagating the achievements of Siddaramaiah government to the masses.”

He wanted ministers and party legislators in the state to actively participate in the legislature proceedings, highlight the achievements of the Siddaramaiah government and reach out to the masses to spread awareness about “the good work done by the Siddaramaiah government, work hard to ensure the victory of Congress in the next assembly election if they wanted to ensure the party ticket in next election.”