E-Paper
Ghulam Nabi Azad’s resignation ‘unfortunate’ and ‘regrettable’: Congress
Congress leaders said a detailed response to Azad’s letter was expected later after wider consultation in the party
The Congress regretted Ghulam Nabi Azad’s resignation from the party saying it is unfortunate he chose to quit at this stage when they are rallying against issues such as the price rise and making Bharat Jodo Yatra (unite India campaign) a success.
The party was scheduled to hold a press conference on the alleged liquor scam in Delhi. But it was deferred and two general secretaries Jairam Ramesh and Ajay Maken spoke about Azad’s resignation and letter.
Azad’s letter was scathing in criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for promoting a “coterie”. He called Gandhi “childish” and “immature”.
Maken defended Gandhi saying he is the most vocal leader against the BJP on people’s issues. “When all Congress leaders are fighting against price rise on the streets...it is unfortunate that Ghulam Nabi Azad has quit the Congress at this stage. There is no doubt Rahul Gandhi is the most vocal against the BJP,” Maken said.
Ramesh described Azad, a former Union minister, and Jammu & Kashmir chief minister, as a “very senior, veteran Congress leader”.
“It is most unfortunate and regrettable that this has happened when the Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and the entire Congress organisation is engaged in combatting and fighting the BJP on issues of price rise and unemployment,” Ramesh said.
“Bharat Jodo Yatra is to be launched on September 7 and 32 press conferences have been scheduled. At a time, when every Congress worker is trying to make mehengai [price rise] rally and Bharat Jodo Yatra a success, it is most unfortunate we have to read this letter.”
Congress leaders said a detailed response to the letter was expected later after wider consultation in the party.
