Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has accused the Gandhi family of not respecting non-Gandhi leaders in the Congress party. Joshi’s remarks, made on December 29, 2024, were aimed at highlighting the internal rifts within the party, particularly the way the Gandhi family reportedly treats other prominent leaders who do not belong to their family lineage. The Union Minister went on to suggest that the Congress leadership’s criticism of the funeral arrangements for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was nothing more than political posturing.
Pralhad Joshi, who is known for his strong political statements, said that the Gandhi family’s grip on Congress has overshadowed the contributions of non-Gandhi leaders. He stated that such actions have created an atmosphere of disrespect towards other key members who have played vital roles within the party. Joshi also pointed out that it is a pattern where the Gandhi family allegedly undermines the efforts and sacrifices made by non-Gandhi leaders who have been integral to Congress’ history and growth.
The Union Minister’s comments come in the wake of a heated debate within Congress over how the funeral arrangements of Manmohan Singh were handled. Singh, who served as the Prime Minister of India for two consecutive terms, was widely respected across political lines. However, controversy erupted when some leaders of Congress, particularly those from the Gandhi family, were seen questioning the nature of the arrangements. Pralhad Joshi viewed this criticism as a political move rather than an honest attempt to address the funeral’s shortcomings.
Joshi suggested that the Gandhi family, having maintained a dominant position in the party for decades, has failed to offer the necessary respect to the party’s non-Gandhi stalwarts. He emphasized that figures like Manmohan Singh, who is widely seen as one of India’s most respected politicians, deserved more than just token gestures of recognition from their own party. According to Joshi, the criticism surrounding his funeral arrangements reflected the deep-rooted issues within Congress, where the leadership often sidesteps the contributions of those outside the Gandhi family’s circle.
The Union Minister’s accusations are not entirely new, as there has long been murmurs within the Congress about the dominance of the Gandhi family. In the past, various leaders, including those who had served as key ministers in Congress governments, have expressed concerns over the lack of internal democracy within the party. These leaders often feel sidelined by the family, which has led to an erosion of their own influence in the party’s decision-making process.
Joshi’s comments also shed light on the growing divide within Congress. While some party leaders continue to pledge loyalty to the Gandhi family, others have begun to question its ability to lead the party effectively. With elections looming on the horizon, the issues within Congress are becoming increasingly apparent, with many wondering whether the party can ever unite under a leadership that is consistently seen as centralized and dynastic.
The BJP, of which Pralhad Joshi is a member, has often pointed out these contradictions within Congress, using them to argue that the party is outdated and out of touch with the needs of the Indian populace. Joshi’s criticism was a sharp reminder of how the BJP has capitalized on Congress’ internal turmoil, portraying itself as a party that values merit and leadership from all sections of society. The BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership, contrasting this with what they see as the Congress party’s undemocratic tendencies.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the allegations from Pralhad Joshi highlight the growing challenges within Congress. The party faces a crucial moment where it must decide whether to continue with its dynastic leadership or adapt to the changing political environment by embracing more democratic practices that value the contributions of all its leaders, regardless of their lineage.
