In a significant blow to the Congress party ahead of the first phase of parliamentary elections in the Udhampur-Kathua constituency, AICC member Jahanzaib Sirwal joined the BJP in New Delhi on Thursday, criticizing the Congress for its adoption of external agendas and “party vanishing machine” approach.
Sirwal, who had been associated with the Congress since 2014 and recently became an AICC member under Mallikarjun Kharge’s leadership, highlighted the need for internal reforms within the Congress instead of solely blaming the BJP for issues like Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, along with national general secretary Vinod Tawde, welcomed Sirwal and others into the party fold.
Addressing reporters, Sirwal, a veterinary doctor, stressed the importance of addressing India’s specific needs with originality, pointing out that the Congress’s reliance on external agendas impedes its ability to effectively tackle national challenges.
“The party’s inclination towards adopting external agendas may not effectively address the country’s specific needs,” Sirwal remarked.
Hailing from a remote village in Kishtwar, Sirwal emphasized the necessity for the Congress to address internal issues and focus on organizational learning rather than solely blaming the BJP for electoral challenges.
He highlighted the concept of the “Party Vanishing Machine” (PVM) within Congress due to its lack of foresight and credible plans expected from a responsible opposition.
“Instead, the Congress should learn from the BJP’s efficient election management, which can be termed as ‘Election Working Machinery’ (EWM),” Sirwal added.
Responding to Sirwal’s reference, Puri clarified the acronym and emphasized that the BJP prioritizes the welfare of the people.
Sirwal underscored the critical role of a robust opposition in democracy, advocating for constructive criticism aimed at nation-building rather than mere fault-finding.
He criticized the Congress for drawing parallels between the current situation and the Emergency period of 1975 during its rule, urging the party to move beyond rhetoric and acknowledge its historical actions before making such comparisons.
