Sambit Patra Critiques Rahul Gandhi, Urges Congress to Reflect on Its History

Puri, September 18 (Daily Kiran) : BJP MP Sambit Patra has taken aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, responding to his recent criticisms of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Patra asserted that Congress has a history of fracturing numerous political parties and toppling governments to maintain its political ambitions. He advised Gandhi to familiarize himself with this history.

Patra stated, “Today, Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of breaking apart parties like Shiv Sena, Congress, and NCP. He shows a lack of respect for the judicial system. This is a judgment, and there is no doubt that those who are mentally radical do not respect the Indian judiciary.” He emphasized that Gandhi seems unaware of Congress’s own historical actions.

He pointed out that the origins of parties such as the Trinamool Congress and NCP stem from Congress itself. According to Patra, these splits occurred due to mistreatment of their leaders within the Congress party. He recounted how, in the 1960s, Congress was responsible for the divisions of the Independent Party, Ashok Mehta, and the Praja Socialist Party. He also noted the internal strife that led to the formation of Congress (I) under Indira Gandhi after sidelining prominent leaders in 1969.

Patra remarked that the original Congress is no longer recognizable, claiming it has transformed into a party dominated by the Gandhi family. He further recalled significant historical events, such as the dissolution of the Janata Party in 1979, where promises made to support Charan Singh’s faction were later retracted, leading to political upheaval.

He highlighted the 1984 division of the National Conference, where Congress separated 12 legislators from Farooq Abdullah’s party, and the breakdown of the Janata Dal in 1990, which resulted in the fall of the Chandra Shekhar government after Rajiv Gandhi withdrew support based on false allegations.

In closing, Patra criticized Congress for trying to lecture others on constitutional matters while disregarding the judiciary. He urged the party to reflect on its own past and, if they cannot do so, to respect the topics raised by the BJP and apologize to the public while honoring the judiciary.