Ex-Congress Leader Wept, Told My Mother He Was Forced To Join BJP, Says Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi speaks during a rally at the conclusion of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, in Mumbai. (PTI photo)

Following the conclusion of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Congress’ Rahul Gandhi addressed the opposition INDIA bloc rally at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park. While most of the barbs during his speech were reserved for the BJP-led Centre, a senior leader, who quit Congress to join the BJP, found a special mention.

Joined by Opposition leaders such as MK Stalin and Uddhav Thackeray, Rahul Gandhi dwelt on the twin themes of corruption and the autonomy of democratic institutions in a speech that lasted an hour.

“We are fighting with a power. Now the question is, what is that power? The soul of a king lies in the EVMs, ED (Enforcement Directorate), CBI, Income tax,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Though Rahul did not name the leader, he was believed to be referring to Maharashtra Chief Minister and MP Ashok Chavan when he spoke about the BJP’s misuse of central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate.

“I don’t want to name names, but a senior leader from this state left the Congress. Weeping, he told my mother, ‘Sonia-ji, I’m ashamed to say, I do not have the power to fight this people, this force. I do not want to go to jail’,” he added.

The Congress has levelled the “washing machine” allegation against the BJP again referring to Chavan’s exit last month, shortly after another key leader, Milind Deora.

Chavan has three cases pending against him, two of which are linked to the Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society.

Chavan was the revenue minister of Maharashtra in 2000, when land in Colaba was allegedly allotted illegally for the Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society.

The veteran leader has ascribed differences with the Congress as his reason for leaving the party.