After Salman Khurshid, Jyotiraditya Scindia says Congress must introspect
What's the story
Congress, which was wiped out in general elections of April-May, needs dire introspection, feels its leader Jyotiraditya Scindia. His remarks came soon after veteran Congress leader Salman Khurshid said the party's biggest problem is that its chief Rahul Gandhi "walked away" during the time of crisis. With leaders now openly criticizing everything about the party, will Congress finally wake up?
Context
Rahul's decision to walk away hurt Congress, said Khurshid
In an interview with AP, Khurshid expressed his displeasure over the current situation in the party. Referring to Rahul's resignation after the poll debacle, he said Congress didn't get time to introspect. "Sonia Gandhi stepped in, but there is more than an indication that she is treating herself as a stop-gap arrangement. I wish it wasn't so," he had said.
What happened
Scindia sided with Khurshid when asked for a comment
Khurshid's comments, naturally, sparked a row, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commenting that his words prove Congress neither has a leader nor a policy in place. On Wednesday, Scindia, who is on a nine-day visit to the Gwalior-Chambal region, was asked to react to the senior leader's remarks. While the young gun said he doesn't comment on the words of others, he endorsed Khurshid's views.
Quote
Introspection is the need of hour: Scindia
"It's not my habit to make a statement on someone else's statement. But there is no ambiguity that Congress does need introspection and assessing the present situation to make improvements is the need of the hour," Scindia said.
War
For long now, Scindia is upset with Congress
Now, Scindia has been locking horns with Congress' top brass for quite some time. Seen as a close aide of Rahul, he has been eyeing the post of Madhya Pradesh Congress chief, currently held by Chief Minister Kamal Nath. His loyalists have also rallied behind him. In fact, there was a strong buzz that Scindia might join rival BJP if denied the post.
Views
Earlier, Scindia differed with Congress on J&K move
Between Scindia and the post he wants, the old guard of Congress is standing like a rock. But he has not been mincing his words lately. He supported BJP's decision to abrogate Article 370 when Congress was totally against the reorganization. Scindia is also a part of the election screening committee of Maharashtra, where polls will be held on October 24.
Support
There's no harm in introspection: State Congress "almost" supported Scindia
Interestingly, the state Congress supported Scindia's statements, but in a veiled manner. Spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi said introspecting is essential for every political party. "The Congress party has been conducting introspection exercise for 133 years. If we have to improve our politics and reach the common man, then introspection is a must. There is no harm in introspection," he said as per TOI.