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“His identity because of Congress”: Ashok Gehlot slams Ghulam Nabi Azad
The Rajasthan CM’s reaction came hours after the resignation of senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad in which he said that inexperienced sycophants were running the party
Launching a scathing attack on Ghulam Nabi Azad, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot on Friday called the resignation insensitive as it came at a time when party chief Sonia Gandhi is in the United States for medical check-up.
“Earlier also Sonia Gandhi was unwell. When they wrote a letter, people took it otherwise that when the leader is ill and admitted in hospital, why such a letter was written. Now when she has gone to America for a check-up, what message do you want to convey by writing a letter? I am saying a sensitive thing, that our leader, who came to politics because of our pressure in 1996. Writing a letter when she is ill and away for check-up, I believe is against human sentiments,” he said, addressing the newspersons after a function in Jaipur.
Also Read: Ghulam Nabi Azad resignation: Here’s how political leaders reacted to letter
The Rajasthan CM’s reaction came hours after the resignation of senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad in which he said that inexperienced sycophants were running the party.
“I read the statement of Azad, he has been my friend for over 42 years, I am deeply hurt, which I cannot express in words or comment. The party gave him opportunities, be it Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi…they even went to his marriage as he was a young man should be encouraged. Since then, for 42 years, Azad had been on all posts, be it being MP from Maharashtra twice, five-six times Rajya Sabha member…Congress left no dearth in giving him opportunities”, he said.
“Whatever identity we have in the country, is because of Congress and the faith of high command on us. Only a few get a chance and not everyone, this comes as a challenge before the high command to select. Around 50-60 (leaders) of us, including Azad, have been given opportunities for 42 years in many posts such as central ministers, AICC general secretary, state party chief, and chief minister. Everything was given to him and nobody in the country expected that Azad would write such a letter,” he said.
He pointed out that Azad, who enjoyed various positions in the last 42 years, was also believed to be sycophant during the era of Sanjay Gandhi.
On Azad’s comments of sycophants running the party, Gehlot said, “They were also called sycophants during Sanjay Gandhi time. Today they are calling chaplus (sycophants) to others, then including Azad and others who were with Sanjay Gandhi also were believed to be sycophants. But Sanjay Gandhi did not give a heed, because of which Azad became such a big leader. If Sanjay Gandhi had removed them in pressure as they are expecting from Rahul Gandhi, then nobody in the country would know the names of Azad and other leaders.”
“When I was NSUI president, many leaders were against me in 1973-74, had I been removed…then I would not be here,” he added.
The CM recalled the time when Sanjay Gandhi was there, he never listened to many… Azad and other leaders are also his product. There was an era when, through him (Sanjay) they started politics via Youth Congress.
Allegations were levelled on Indira Gandhi that Sanjay Gandhi has become extra constitutional authority. Be it Chief Minister, state party chief, central minister or AICC General Secretary…90% of the people who struggled during Sanjay Gandhi and came on roads… Azad is also a product of that time.
“When Sanjay Gandhi was taking decisions, many did not like it, I was also among them. I didn’t like his decision but then too got a chance. I continued working with NSUI, became district chief, and then MP, it’s a long story.”
“Azad has been close to Sanjay Gandhi. I constantly say that at that time too, many people didn’t like Sanjay Gandhi and disagreed with his thoughts… this happens’ in politics. Today Rahul Gandhi has come, he is taking decisions accordingly to take the party forward. If we started working with Sanjay Gandhi for 40 years, unfortunately he is not with us… he was an emerging leader. Today also, many people think of him, his work and decisions. We governed for 40 years with that team, which included Azad”, he added.
On Azad calling Rahul’s childish and immature, Gehlot said, “Back then, they were also called childish… I am telling you the fact, when they were with Sanjay Gandhi and we were against, people like me might also be making such comments. Comments were made earlier also, and aggressively, this happens.”
“I am in a deep shock after reading what he wrote. A person who got everything for last 42 years and never been without any post, today giving such a message, I am unable to understand.”
“A person like Azad was given everything by the Congress, today his identity is because of Congress, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao and Sonia Gandhi. The way he expressed his thoughts isn’t right,” said Gehlot.
