Is Congress Targeting Dy CM Rajendra Shukla Over Alleged Favoritism?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Madhya Pradesh Congress has accused Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla of favoritism.
- The allegations involve the supply of medicines in the state.
- Key leaders have rallied in Rewa to challenge Shukla's authority.
- Shukla's influence is seen as a threat to Congress in the Vindhya region.
- Future elections may be impacted by these accusations.
Bhopal, Aug 12 (NationPress) The Madhya Pradesh Congress party has recently intensified its criticism of Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, accusing him of allegedly 'favoring' close associates in the extensive distribution of medications throughout the state.
During a well-attended assembly of Congress activists and supporters in Rewa, prominent Congress figures, including state chief Jitu Patwari, Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly Umang Singhar, and former Leader of the Opposition Ajay Singh, directed their critiques at Shukla, who also serves as the Minister of Health and Family Welfare.
While the event primarily aimed to rally against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and the Election Commission of India for alleged discrepancies in the 'voter list', senior Congress leaders took the opportunity to target Shukla in his own district, Rewa.
“Since Dy CM Rajendra Shukla took on the role of Health Minister, one of his aides has been granted unchecked authority over the vast supply of medicines across Madhya Pradesh. Despite being from Rewa, his home district has turned into a hotspot for drug-related activities,” stated PCC head Jitu Patwari.
The Congress leader further claimed that Shukla was abusing his position to offer advantages to his allies in the medical sector.
“I challenge Rajendra Shukla to refute my claims. I am prepared to reveal documents obtained from his own department,” Patwari asserted.
The state Congress leadership has set its sights on Rajendra Shukla, who has emerged as a considerable force for the BJP in the Vindhya region of Madhya Pradesh, an area that was once a stronghold of former Chief Minister Arjun Singh.
Rajendra Shukla has significantly weakened the Congress's position in Rewa, where the party managed to secure only one of the eight assembly seats during the 2023 elections.
The Congress faced challenges even in identifying a viable candidate to oppose Rajendra Shukla.
The lack of leadership from Rewa within the Madhya Pradesh Congress was evident during Tuesday's event. The party is heavily dependent on two leaders – Ajay Singh (son of ex-CM Arjun Singh) and Kamleshwar Patel (son of ex-minister Indrajeet Patel) – to reinvigorate the party's presence in Rewa.