Rahul to hold Cong strategic meet

UP Congress will finally hold its day-long brainstorming session in Mathura on Monday (September 7) which will be addressed by party vice president Rahul Gandhi. The last mega congregation of this kind was held in Mathura in 2000, when the party's leadership from across the state came together to assess the challenges ahead. Sources said Rahul is expected to visit Banke Bihari temple in Mathura. Mathura MLA and Congress Legislative Party leader, Pradeep Mathur, told TOI that the 'chintan baithak' will focus on strengthening the party in UP and also clear the air on when and how the party high command will pick candidates for 2017 UP elections. The meeting will also serve as a stock-taking exercise for the party's poll preparedness ahead of the panchayat polls.