Ordinary Cong workers treated worse than street dogs: Brar

Days after courting controversy over his purported remarks against the Congress leadership, senior party leader Jagmeet Singh Brar on Tuesday trained his guns at the “coterie surrounding” party chief Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi, saying that in a democratic country “so much of power never ever vested” in few individuals.

Days after courting controversy over his purported remarks against the Congress leadership, senior party leader Jagmeet Singh Brar on Tuesday trained his guns at the “coterie surrounding” party chief Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi, saying that in a democratic country “so much of power never ever vested” in few individuals.

“Over the years, these few individuals treated ordinary Congress workers worse than street dogs,” the former MP told HT in an interview. “They created a huge wall between the leadership and workers and could always be seen in the company of capitalists wearing Tom Ford and Canali Dark suits.”

Brar, a former Congress Working Committee (CWC) member, reiterated that both Sonia and Rahul should go on an “India tour (Bharat Bhraman)” for two years to connect directly with the masses and party workers. “In their absence, a loyal and committed person such as Motilal Vora can run party affairs,” he added.

Brar was served with a showcause notice after he reportedly suggested that Sonia and Rahul should take a two-year break in the wake of the recent poll debacle. However, the senior leader from Punjab later clarified that his remarks were “distorted” by the media and maintained that as part of the organisational reforms he had only suggested that touring the country was the need of the hour.

Asked if Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should assume a larger role in the party, Brar said she was already managing party affairs behind the curtains. “With a sweet smile like Rajiv Gandhi’s, she has effectively handled crisis situations. I have personal experience but will never reveal that,” he added.

Asked if he is preparing a life outside the Congress, Brar said the ball is in the party high command’s court and will largely depend on the leadership’s wisdom. “Kaisa salook kiya jata hai woh dekhna hai (it remains to be seen how I will be treated). I have spent my lifetime in the party,” he said.