Did Digvijaya Singh Reverse His Stance on Praising the 'RSS' and 'BJP'?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Digvijaya Singh's reversal on praising the BJP and RSS highlights internal tensions within the Congress party.
- The controversy coincides with a significant Congress Working Committee meeting, raising stakes in party politics.
- Singh's comments about grassroots leadership have stirred debates on organizational strength and political strategy.
New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh made a surprising shift in his earlier commendation for the BJP and RSS amidst a political uproar following his remarks.
He clarified that his statements were misinterpreted.
“I support the organization but oppose the RSS and Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi. My admiration was directed solely at the organizational strength of the RSS. I have consistently opposed the policies of both the BJP and the RSS,” he told reporters.
This clarification followed Singh's sharing of a 1996 photograph featuring Prime Minister Modi with senior BJP leader L.K. Advani on X.
In his post, Singh acknowledged the BJP and RSS for elevating grassroots workers to prominent leadership roles, referencing PM Modi's ascent from an organizational position to Chief Minister and then Prime Minister.
“I came across this impactful image on Quora. It illustrates how grassroots swayamsevaks of the RSS and Jan Sangh members have become Chief Ministers and Prime Ministers, showcasing the might of the organization. Jai Siya Ram,” Singh noted.
The post triggered intense reactions within political circles, especially given its timing with a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Delhi. Singh tagged Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, igniting speculation about a message intended for party leadership.
The photograph reflects PM Modi's initial political journey in Gujarat and was reportedly captured during the 1996 swearing-in ceremony of former Gujarat chief minister Shankersinh Vaghela. In it, Advani is seen seated while PM Modi, then an organizational leader, is positioned on the floor beside him.
In response to the ensuing controversy, Congress MP Kumari Selja rejected claims of admiration for the BJP or RSS. “No one has praised anyone. Please refrain from spreading misleading information. Official communications will arise from the meeting,” she remarked, referencing the CWC gathering.
This incident follows Singh's previous controversial statement on December 19, where he urged Rahul Gandhi to consider reforms within the Congress. Proposing a more decentralized and pragmatic party structure, Singh concluded his post with, “The only issue is that convincing you is not straightforward.”
Seizing the moment, BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan demanded a response from Rahul Gandhi. “Will Rahul Gandhi muster the courage to address the startling revelations made by Digvijaya Singh's tweet, which uncovers how the Congress first family operates the party in a dictatorial and undemocratic manner?” Kesavan stated in a social media post.