Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s absence at the party’s 136th Foundation Day celebrations triggered a row on Monday. While senior party leaders defended their former president, rival BJP attacked him for skipping the important event.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi was not present on the occasion, reportedly due to health reasons. In her absence, former defence minister and senior party leader AK Antony did the honours.
If the developments in the Congress in the last few years are to be analysed, there is a clear message that Rahul Gandhi has tried to convey by skipping the party’s Foundation Day celebrations - that he is unwilling to don the mantle of the party president again.
As Rahul Dithers, Priyanka Gandhi is Stepping Up to be the Problem Solver Congress Desperately Needs
FOLLOW US ON:
At the Congress’ 186th foundation day, one thing has stood out: the absence of Rahul Gandhi, who according to party is away “for a few days on a personal visit”. The news of his travel took many by surprise and disappointment.
The Congress had also launched a ‘Selfie with Tiranga’ campaign on the day to show that the BJP was violating democracy and Constitution in trying to suppress the ongoing farm protests. The Congress is accusing the government of bulldozing popular opinion with these bills. The idea for this campaign came from Rahul Gandhi himself and so it was disappointing for party leaders that he was absent.