Priyanka Kakkar, Shyam Sundar Sharma, and Rajat Rakesh Tandon Join Congress
Former AAP leader Priyanka Kakkar, ex-UP MLA Shyam Sundar Sharma, and journalist Rajat Rakesh Tandon join the Congress Party.
In a significant political shift, former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Priyanka Kakkar, former Uttar Pradesh MLA Shyam Sundar Sharma, and veteran journalist Rajat Rakesh Tandon officially joined the Congress Party on Saturday.
The induction of these prominent figures was announced by the Congress Party via a post on X, welcoming them into the fold and noting that their decision reflects a growing trust in the leadership of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
A Vision for a Better Delhi
Speaking at a press conference following her induction, Priyanka Kakkar, a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court and former Chief National Spokesperson of AAP, shared her motivations for switching sides. She expressed a deep desire to see a transformation in the capital city.
"I am joining the Congress party today with immense pride because I want back the Delhi I grew up in," Kakkar stated. "I want the green, clean, progressive and safe Delhi that was such an important part of my growing-up years. After more than a decade of experience in Indian politics, I truly believe that only the Congress can make this happen."
Kakkar also praised the resilience of Rahul Gandhi, describing him as an authentic leader. She added that the move is a strategic step to prevent votes from scattering and to combat what she described as the regressive politics of the BJP.
Journalist and Former MLA Join the Fold
The group also includes Rajat Rakesh Tandon, a journalist with over 20 years of experience and a descendant of freedom fighter Purushottam Das Tandon. Tandon highlighted his family's historical ties to the Congress and his observations from the media profession.
"As a journalist, I have covered the Congress Party for a long time, and during this period, I have seen that it is a party where your voice is heard," Tandon said. He specifically credited Rahul Gandhi for being a vocal advocate for the country's youth, noting that while others remained silent, Gandhi stood firm for the younger generation.
Joining them is Shyam Sundar Sharma, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Uttar Pradesh. Sharma lauded the party's commitment to humanism over divisive politics.
"Politics means hard work, sovereignty, commitment, and dedication. This thinking exists only within the Congress Party," Sharma remarked. He contrasted the Congress's approach with other political entities, claiming that while others focus on communalism and casteism, the Congress remains dedicated to humanistic values.
New Members Profile Summary
- Priyanka Kakkar: Former Chief National Spokesperson of AAP and Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court.
- Shyam Sundar Sharma: Former MLA from Uttar Pradesh.
- Rajat Rakesh Tandon: Veteran journalist and descendant of freedom fighter Purushottam Das Tandon.