Congress Faces Criticism: Internal Remarks Spark BJP Offensive

Senior Leaders’ Comments Put Congress in a Tough Spot

New Delhi: The Congress party is under fire again. This time, the criticism comes from within its own ranks. P Chidambaram’s recent comments about the INDIA bloc have put Congress in a difficult position.

Chidambaram’s Honest Assessment

Chidambaram recently shared his thoughts on the INDIA bloc. He said, “The future of the INDIA bloc is not so bright. It shows at the seams that it is frayed…” He made these remarks at a book launch in the national capital.

The BJP quickly used Chidambaram’s words to attack the Congress. They argue that since Congress leads the INDIA bloc, Chidambaram’s assessment points to a failure in leadership.

Tharoor’s Supportive Remarks Cause Trouble

This isn’t the first time Congress has faced such issues. Recently, Shashi Tharoor’s remarks in support of PM Modi’s policies during the India-Pakistan standoff also caused trouble. Several BJP leaders cited Tharoor’s praise for government policies to criticize the Congress.

The Congress had to clarify that Tharoor’s remarks were his personal views. Jairam Ramesh, a Congress leader, stated, “When Mr. Tharoor speaks, it is his view and it is not the stand of the party.”

BJP’s Continuous Attack

The BJP and its allies have been targeting the Congress and the INDIA bloc. They have used terms like:

• “Greed-driven coalition”
• “Maha-thagbandhan”
• “Opportunistic alliance”

Some have even questioned the Congress’s leadership role. They suggest that the party is fading.

Chidambaram’s remarks have given the BJP more ammunition. The INDIA bloc, which was launched with much fanfare, is now struggling. Chidambaram’s public assessment has only helped the BJP’s cause.

Congress’s Next Steps

It remains to be seen how the Congress will respond to this new challenge. Party leader Udit Raj had some advice for Chidambaram. He said, “The party has given him a lot. He and his son are MPs. Since the party is not in power, Chidambaram ji should go around the country and conduct a dialogue.”

Tharoor has had his differences with the party. But Chidambaram’s remarks may have come as a surprise. Interestingly, a BJP leader recently cited both Tharoor and Chidambaram to make a point against the Congress.

The BJP leader said, “If people start giving resignation for statements, then no one would be left in the Congress except for P Chidambaram and Shashi Tharoor. We should first demand Rahul Gandhi’s resignation.”

The fact that both these leaders have put the Congress in a difficult position may be a coincidence. But it is a challenge the party must now address.