New Delhi: Tharoor for, Pawan Khera against: How Digvijaya's 'BJP-RSS strength' remark divided Congress despite clarifications
What began as a seemingly innocuous social media post by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, praising the RSS-BJP’s organisational strength, has triggered a storm within the party, with leaders divided over the issue and handing the saffron camp fresh ammunition to target the grand-old party.
It all began over a week ago, when Digvijaya took to X to openly call for reforms and decentralised functioning within the Congress party.
The social media posts from the Congress veteran ruffled feathers in the party, however, it also raked up echoes from disgruntled leaders like Shashi Tharoor, who backed Digvijaya for his remark.
Meanwhile, Digvijaya, on at least two occasions, have issued clarifications on his remarks.
On Saturday, Digvijaya Singh shared an undated old photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with veteran BJP leader LK Advani seemingly attending a public rally.
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While sharing the image, he wrote: “I found this picture on the Quora site. It is very impactful. It shows how an RSS grassroots volunteer and a Jan Sangh/BJP worker, who once sat on the floor at the feet of leaders, went on to become a state’s chief minister and the country’s prime minister. This is the power of organisation.”
Digvijaya’s remark was seen in line with his social media post on December 19, where he said Congress needs reforms and called for decentralised functioning within the party. He was directly addressing to senior party leader Rahul Gandhi in the social media post.
Ever since the Congress veteran made the remark, responses started pouring in. While the BJP used Digvijaya’s remark to attack Rahul Gandhi, party leaders said there is nothing to learn from the RSS.
Congress leader Pawan Khera was one of the first Congress leader to take objection to Digvijaya’s remark. “There’s nothing to learn from the RSS. What can an organisation known for Godse teach an organisation founded by Gandhi?” Khera told ANI.
Shashi Tharoor, who has lately been in the spotlight over speculation of a rift with the party, backed Digvijaya, saying the organisation should be strengthened.
“The organisation should be strengthened, there is no doubt,” Tharoor said. He was also seen seated next to Digvijaya Singh and exchanging notes, according to PTI news agency.
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