Congress leaders Anand Sharma, Adhir Chowdhury bicker over ISF alliance
What's the story
After Congress leader Anand Sharma criticized his party's alliance with the Indian Secular Front (ISF) for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, fellow party leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury delivered a stinging response.
In a display of internal strife, Sharma had on Monday criticized Chowdhury, the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee President, for his endorsement of the Congress-ISF alliance.
Here's all that happened.
Context
What did Sharma say?
"Congress' alliance with parties like ISF and other such forces militates against the core ideology of the party and Gandhian and Nehruvian secularism," Sharma had tweeted, "These issues need to be approved by the CWC (Congress Working Committee)."
"Congress cannot be selective in fighting communalists but must do so in all its manifestations, irrespective of religion and color," he added.
Twitter Post
You can view the tweet here
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
Response
Here's how Chowdhury responded to Sharma's tweet
Chowdhury wrote in a series of tweets, "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 and divisive politics and an autocratic regime."
He said the Congress has its full share of seats and the Left Front is allocating seats to the ISF from its share.
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Those committed to fighting against BJP should support Congress: Chowdhury
Chowdhury wrote, "Your choice to call the decision of CPM-led front 'communal' is only serving the polarizing agenda of BJP."
"Those who are committed to fighting against the BJP's venomous communalism should support the Congress and campaign for the party in five states rather than attempting to undermine the party by remarks in tune with the BJP's agenda," he added.
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'Stop wasting time singing praises of PM'
Chowdhury further said, "Would urge a select group of distinguished Congressmen to rise above always seeking personal comfort spots and stop wasting time singing praises of PM. They owe a duty to strengthen the party and not undermine the tree that nurtured them."
Politics
Dissident Congress leaders to step up questioning of party's strategy
Reportedly, at a recent meeting in Jammu, a group of 23 senior Congress leaders (dubbed 'G-23' by the media) decided to step up questioning of the Congress party.
Sources told News18 that the group plans to frequently raise questions over the party's poll strategy, such as its alliance with Badruddin Ajmal in Assam, and the party's inability to save the government in Puducherry.