New Delhi, Jan 25 (NationPress) The Congress party on Sunday mounted a robust defense against former member Shakeel Ahmad, who made controversial statements labeling Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi as a "darpok" (coward) and an "insecure leader". The party accused Ahmad of showing ingratitude and questioned his motives for criticizing the leadership after his exit from the organization.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari responded sharply, stating, "Shakeel Ahmad, the Congress party provided you with everything -- appointed you as a Communications Minister, you served as a Union Minister, and we entrusted state leadership to you. You were a key figure. Despite all that, you failed to secure electoral victories. What could possibly have left you dissatisfied enough to distance yourself from the party?"

Tiwari urged Ahmad to exhibit some restraint, stating, "I would like to ask you to express gratitude to the party for everything it has done for you. The party that has supported you -- do not speak against it, especially not about Rahul ji, who is a fearless warrior standing up to the BJP and the Modi government. Such remarks do not suit you. If you had something to say, it should have been done within party circles, not publicly. You have left the party, and now you are expressing whatever you wish to."

The controversy ignited after Shakeel Ahmad publicly denounced Rahul Gandhi, branding him an "insecure, darpok leader who is dictatorial and disregards senior leaders."

Additionally, Ahmad claimed that Gandhi favors individuals who praise him, arguing that this behavior has deepened internal divisions within the Congress.

In response, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla commented that this incident revealed what he referred to as Rahul Gandhi's "real image."

"Rahul Gandhi has been dismissed by public sentiment, but the lack of acceptance from Congress leaders and workers is apparent. Shakeel Ahmad articulated how Rahul Gandhi is cowed, insecure, and immature. He desires a strong Congress, but not strong leaders within the party," Poonawalla asserted, noting that many leaders have departed the Congress due to perceived insecurity at the top.

In reaction to Ahmad's comments regarding LoP Rahul Gandhi, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC stated, "Shakeel Ahmad is absolutely correct... He fails to acknowledge what his leaders are saying about his party and his leadership. What he said is factual. He is not the first leader in the Congress Party to express this sentiment. Many share the same view."