That all is not well within the Congress ahead of the five assembly polls has once again come to the fore. Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma in his tweets has strongly slammed the party’s tie-up with Indian Secular Front (ISF) led by Muslim cleric Abbas Siddiqui in West Bengal, saying it was against the “Gandhian and Nehruvian secularism” and the party cannot be selective in fighting the “communalists”.
“Congress” alliance with parties like ISF and other such forces militates against the core ideology of the party and Gandhian and Nehruvian secularism, which forms the soul of the party. These issues need to be approved by the CWC,” he said on Twitter.
Congress’ alliance with parties like ISF and other such forces militates against the core ideology of the party and Gandhian and Nehruvian secularism, which forms the soul of the party. These issues need to be approved by the CWC.
— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC) March 1, 2021
Sharma, a former union minister and a leader of the group of 23 which had written to Congress president Sonia Gandhi demanding organisational overhaul, said the issue of “alliance” with a radical party like the ISF should have been discussed and approved by the Congress Working Committee (CWC).
He also sought clarification from West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for attending the joint rally in Kolkata where ISF leaders were present, alleging that his presence and endorsement was “painful and shameful”.
“Congress cannot be selective in fighting communalists but must do so in all its manifestations, irrespective of religion and colour. The presence and endorsement by West Bengal PCC President is painful and shameful, he must clarify,” the senior party leader said.
Congress cannot be selective in fighting communalists but must do so in all its manifestations, irrespective of religion and colour. The presence and endorsement West Bengal PCC President is painful and shameful, he must clarify.
— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC) March 1, 2021
West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury replied to Anand Sharma’s criticism, reacting to Sharma’s tweets, Chowdhury urged “a select group of distinguished Congressmen to rise above always seeking personal comfort spots & stop wasting time singing praises of PM”. “They owe a duty to strengthen the Party & not undermine the tree that nurtured them,” he added. Adhir in his tweets urged Anand Sharma to know the facts
Know ur facts @AnandSharmaINC ji
1. CPI(M) led Left Front is leading the secular alliance in West Bengal of which Congress is an integral part. We are determined to defeat BJP’s communal & divisive politics and an autocratic regime.
1/4— Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) March 1, 2021
3/4
Know ur facts @AnandSharmaINC ji-3. Those who are committed to fight against #BJP parties venomous communalism should support the Congress & campaign for the party in five states rather than attempting to undermine the party by remarks in tune with BJP’s agenda.
— Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) March 1, 2021
4/4
Know ur facts @AnandSharmaINC –4. Would urge a select group of distinguished Congressmen to rise above always seeking personal comfort spots & stop wasting time singing praises of PM.
They owe a duty to strengthen the Party & not undermine the tree that nurtured them.
— Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) March 1, 2021