NEW DELHI: Following Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of Congress members allegedly supporting the BJP in Gujarat, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh questioned when Gandhi would take decisive actions against these internal adversaries. “When will Rahul Gandhi expel those who support the BJP from Congress?” Singh queried on X.
During an address to party workers in Ahmedabad on Saturday, Rahul Gandhi indicated that some party members were “disconnected” from the populace, with a significant portion allegedly “in collusion” with the BJP. “The leadership and workers of Gujarat’s Congress includes two distinct factions. One group stands with the people, advocates for their needs, respects them, and holds the Congress ideology in their hearts. The other group, however, is disconnected from the people, remains distanced, disrespects them, and half of them are in cahoots with the BJP. Until we differentiate between these factions, the people of Gujarat cannot trust us,” said Gandhi.
Reflecting on his own experiences in Gujarat, Digvijaya Singh recounted how, during his campaign as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, he was advised not to criticize the RSS, as it would anger Hindu voters. “The Sangh does not truly represent Hindus. It misleads and exploits them in the name of religion,” Digvijaya stated, adding that Hindu leaders like the Shankaracharyas have been guiding figures for millennia. “Of all these Shankaracharyas, which one today supports @BJP4India and @RSSorg?” he inquired, emphasizing that they represent a far greater tradition.
In response, the BJP dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, stating he should first recognize his accountability for the party’s numerous defeats. “He claims that over half of his party leaders are in collusion with the BJP while he himself has led his party to failure in over 90 elections. In this regard, he is the BJP’s greatest asset,” remarked BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla. “He mentioned that ‘race ke ghode ko barrat mein laga diya’ (horses meant for a race were instead used for a wedding procession),” Poonawalla added, questioning, “Is this a critique of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s leadership? Is Rahul Gandhi eyeing Kharge ji’s position?”
