"AAP moving towards extinction," says Pawan Khera
Congress leader Pawan Khera targets AAP, claiming the party is facing extinction in Punjab as more leaders join the Congress fold.
In a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress leader Pawan Khera claimed on Saturday that the party is rapidly losing its footing and is moving towards extinction in Punjab. Making these remarks amidst a wave of political shifting, Khera suggested that the ideological battle for the country's democracy is being won by the Congress.
A Growing Wave of Defections
Khera's comments followed a significant boost for the Congress party, as several prominent figures made the switch to its ranks. Among those joining the Congress were former AAP leader Priyanka Kakkar, former Uttar Pradesh MLA Shyam Sundar Sharma, and journalist Rajat Rakesh Tandon.
The Congress spokesperson emphasized that the party is increasingly seen as the primary vehicle for those committed to protecting the Constitution and democratic values. "Everyone wants to come on this path because the path to save this country's Constitution and democracy is the path of the Congress Party," Khera stated.
The "Pulse of Society" and Political Shifts
Addressing the decline of AAP's influence, Khera noted that political leaders must be able to read the changing political climate. He remarked that as the "wind blows" in a different direction, leaders are realizing that the Congress is the only viable ideological force left.
Khera also addressed the ongoing influx of leaders into the INDIA bloc, specifically mentioning the recent addition of Apni Janta Party president Swami Prasad Maurya. He predicted that this trend of leaders joining the alliance would not slow down, stating, "This process has just begun. It will continue until the election results are declared."
Addressing Internal Appointments and Caste Politics
The Congress leader also took the opportunity to clarify the party's internal decision-making processes following the recent appointment of Aradhana Misra ‘Mona’ as the new President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) and Imran Masood as Working President.
Responding to questions regarding whether caste or religion dictates leadership roles, Khera was firm in his denial. He explained:
- Caste and religion are not the sole criteria for assigning responsibilities.
- Leadership roles are assigned to different individuals based on varying needs at different times.
- Changes in leadership do not indicate a failure of the previous office holder, but rather a strategic shift to utilize their skills in different capacities.
"A person's caste or religion is not the sole criterion considered within the party," Khera clarified, adding that reshuffles are simply part of the party's evolving strategy to play different roles across the political landscape.