Introduction
The expulsion of Acharya Pramod Krishnam from the Congress party has ignited a fresh controversy, with the former party member leveling serious allegations against Rahul Gandhi. Krishnam has claimed that Gandhi vowed to overturn the Supreme Court's landmark verdict in the Ayodhya Ramjanmabhumi case, drawing parallels with the Rajiv Gandhi-led government's actions following the Shah Bano judgment. The allegations have sparked a heated debate, further fueling the ongoing political turmoil within the Congress party.
Former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam | INDIA TV Image Link
Acharya Pramod Krishnam's Allegations
In an explosive interview with ANI, Acharya Pramod Krishnam, who spent over 32 years in the Congress party, made startling claims about Rahul Gandhi's alleged remarks regarding the Ayodhya verdict. According to Krishnam, Gandhi, in the presence of an America-based counsel for the party, stated that after forming the government, the Congress would establish a "superpower commission" to overturn the Ram Mandir decision, much like Rajiv Gandhi's government had overturned the Shah Bano judgment.
The Shah Bano Case and Rajiv Gandhi's Actions
The reference to the Shah Bano case harks back to a controversial episode in Indian legal history. In 1985, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Shah Bano, an Indore-based Muslim woman, granting her maintenance from her husband after divorce. However, the then Congress government, led by Rajiv Gandhi, overturned the judgment through an Act in Parliament, sparking nationwide debates and protests.
The Ayodhya Verdict and Its Significance
On November 9, 2019, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling in the long-standing Ayodhya land dispute case. The top court awarded the disputed land to the deity, Shri Ram Virajman, and directed the Uttar Pradesh government to grant the Sunni Waqf Board five acres in a "prominent" location in Ayodhya for the construction of a mosque. The disputed land was handed over to a trust for the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple at the site, a decision celebrated by many as a resolution to a decades-long conflict.
Congress Party's Stance on Ram Mandir Consecration
The Congress party had boycotted the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, calling it a "BJP-RSS event." The party stated, "Religion is a personal matter, but the RSS and the BJP have made Ayodhya temple a political project." This stance was criticized by Acharya Pramod Krishnam, who described the decision to decline the invitation as "unfortunate" and stated that "Lord Ram is the soul of India."
Accusations of Internal Rift and Division
Krishnam's allegations come amidst his claims of a vertical split within the Congress party into factions of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. He had alleged that Priyanka Gandhi was denied a ticket to contest the Lok Sabha elections due to a "family and party conspiracy." These accusations have further fueled speculations of internal rifts and power struggles within the Congress party.
Expulsion from the Congress Party
In February, the Congress party issued a statement expelling Acharya Pramod Krishnam for "indiscipline and anti-party activities." The expulsion came days after Krishnam met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to the foundation stone laying ceremony of Shri Kalki Dham in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal. The party cited complaints of indiscipline and repeated public statements against the party as reasons for Krishnam's expulsion.
Reactions and Implications
Acharya Pramod Krishnam's allegations have sparked a heated debate within political circles, with supporters and detractors weighing in on the veracity of his claims. While some have dismissed the allegations as baseless and aimed at tarnishing the Congress party's image, others have called for a thorough investigation into the matter. The controversy has once again thrust the Congress party into the spotlight, raising questions about its internal dynamics and decision-making processes.
Pitroda's Comments on Ram Mandir Controversy
Krishnam's allegations also alluded to the involvement of Sam Pitroda, the Indian Overseas Congress chairman, in Rahul Gandhi's alleged remarks. Pitroda had previously stirred a controversy by questioning the hype surrounding the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony and Prime Minister Modi's participation in the grand opening. Pitroda had stated, "I have no problem with any religion. I am only saying that don't mix religion with politics." He had further questioned whether the Ram Mandir was the real issue or if issues like unemployment, inflation, and air pollution should take precedence.
Congress's Reaction to Pitroda's Comments
The Congress party had faced backlash for Pitroda's comments, with many accusing the party of being insensitive towards Hindu sentiments. Acharya Pramod Krishnam's claim that Rahul Gandhi's alleged remarks were made on the advice and signal of one of his well-wishers living in America could be a veiled reference to Pitroda's influence.
Amethi and Raebareli Seat Controversy
In addition to his allegations about the Ayodhya verdict, Acharya Pramod Krishnam had also criticized Rahul Gandhi's decision to leave Amethi and not field Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from Raebareli. He had suggested that Rahul Gandhi should contest from Rawalpindi instead of Raebareli, citing his alleged popularity and demand in Pakistan. These remarks were seen as a direct attack on the Gandhi family's political legacy and further fueled the perception of internal divisions within the Congress party.
Conclusion
The expulsion of Acharya Pramod Krishnam from the Congress party and his subsequent allegations about Rahul Gandhi's alleged remarks on the Ayodhya verdict have sent shockwaves through the political landscape. The controversy has not only reignited debates surrounding the sensitive issue of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple but has also exposed the internal tensions and divisions within the Congress party. As the political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Congress leadership will address these allegations and navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing turmoil within the party ranks. The Congress party's response and actions in the coming days will be closely watched, as they could have far-reaching implications for the party's future and its standing in the country's political landscape.
Bình luận