Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is once again in the headlines for his statements. On Thursday, June 19, he explicitly stated that he has disagreements with some leaders within the party leadership. Tharoor also affirmed his complete agreement with the Congress ideology.
New Delhi: Amidst ongoing discussions about disagreements within the Congress party, a recent statement by senior leader Shashi Tharoor has created a stir. On June 19, he stated that he has differences with some leaders in the Congress leadership and that there is a diversity of opinions within the party. This statement has sparked debate in political circles. Meanwhile, when Congress leader Dr. Udit Raj was asked to comment on Shashi Tharoor's statement, he declined to comment but launched a b counter-attack on Prime Minister Modi's speech.
Udit Raj's Silence on Shashi Tharoor's Statement
On Thursday, Shashi Tharoor acknowledged having disagreements with some leaders within the Congress leadership. He stated, "The Congress party is a democratic organization, and disagreements are natural. However, this does not mean we are against the party." When questioned about this, Udit Raj responded that he was not in a position to comment.
This is not the first time Shashi Tharoor's statements regarding the party have generated discussion. Previously, he has been in the headlines for expressing differing opinions on several Congress decisions. Udit Raj, however, is attempting to maintain distance from this.
Sharp Reaction to Modi's ‘License Raj’ Statement
While Udit Raj distanced himself from Shashi Tharoor's statement, he bly countered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Siwan, Bihar. In his address, PM Modi criticized the Congress government's ‘License Raj’ and ‘Quota Raj’, claiming it enriched only party leaders while leaving the public impoverished.
Udit Raj responded sharply, stating that the quota and license systems were responsible for the upliftment of Dalits and backward classes. He asserted that the RSS and BJP oppose this system because it empowers the underprivileged. He further added that quota systems in gas agencies, petrol pumps, government jobs, and panchayat elections provided opportunities to Dalits and backward classes. He claimed the RSS mentality is to keep these classes subjugated, while Congress worked for their upliftment.
Barely 10 Lakh Jobs in 10 Years
Udit Raj also questioned the Modi government's claims about job creation. He argued that since 2014, the Modi government has accelerated privatization, reducing job opportunities for reserved categories. He alleged attempts to circumvent reservations through lateral entry. He claimed the Modi government has provided barely 10 lakh jobs in the last 10 years, whereas during Congress's tenure, lakhs of SC, ST, and OBC individuals secured government jobs annually.
Using Bihar as an example, Udit Raj stated that the SC, ST, and OBC individuals currently holding high positions in the state owe their advancement to the quota and license system. He argued that without these systems, Dalits and backward classes would remain marginalized. He asserted that the BJP is irritated by this system because it challenges their agenda of ‘social dominance.’
This statement by the Congress leader comes at a time when the BJP is redefining its policies in light of new political equations after 2024. Statements like this from leaders such as Udit Raj indicate that Congress is attempting to bring the issues of quotas and social justice back to the forefront of national discourse.
