In multiple political upheavals, JNU leader Kanhaiya Kumar joined Congress. Meanwhile, Navjot Singh Sidhu quit as Punjab Congress chief.

Sidhu’s quitting came just a few weeks after he was appointed as Congress President in Punjab. The move disgruntled former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh who was quite vocal about his conflict with Sidhu.

Meanwhile, Kanhaiya Kumar’s entry in Congress came after weeks of rumours which saw the day of light after he met Congress leaders.

Details

Indian political landscape is filled with turn cloaks and scapegoats. Turn cloaks change their political affiliations while scapegoats are used as bait to get to an agenda. However, it’s rare that within the span of 24 hours, two major changes emerge with a potential to create more conflict.

In one such instance, student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who was outspoken with his dissent towards the Bharatiya Janata Party joined the opposition Congress. Meanwhile, in Punjab, much to surprise of political pundits, Navjot Singh Sidhu quit as the Punjab Congress President.

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The Facts of the Matter

Popularly known as the voice of dissent in India, JNU’s popular former president Kanhaiya Kumar ended weeks of ‘will he – won’t he’ speculation. On September 28, Kumar joined forces with the Congress party. Pictures of him standing next to a mask-laden Rahul Gandhi emerged after the announcement.

News agency ANI quoted Kanhaiya Kumar saying, “I am joining Congress because it is not just a party, it is an idea. It’s the country’s oldest and most democratic party, and I am emphasising on ‘democratic’…Not just me many think that country can’t survive without Congress.”

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“Congress is Like a Ship…”

Giving the reference of popular Indian icons like Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh & B.R. Ambedkar, Kumar said that Congress’ strengthening will protect the values of aforementioned people. “Congress party is like a big ship. If it’s saved, I believe many people’s aspirations, Mahatma Gandhi’s oneness, Bhagat Singh’s courage, and BR Ambedkar’s idea of equality will be protected, too. This is why I have joined it,” Kumar said.

Kumar’s Earlier stint with CPI

It should be noted that Kumar was earlier an elected member of the CPI (Communist Party of India). He joined the CPI back in 2019. Reportedly, sources have claimed that Kumar started feeling suffocated in the Communist party and had taken to Rahul Gandhi earlier this month.

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What Kanhaiya Kumar’s Inclusion in Congress Means?

The inclusion of Kumar in Congress comes at a time when the notion of Congress not having enough youth leaders is strong. This includes the likes of Priyanka Chaturvedi, Sushmita Devi, Jyotiraditya Scindia leaving for other parties. While Chaturvedi left for Shiv Sena, Sushmita Devi joined the TMC and Scindia joined the BJP.

Sidhu Gives a Googly, Quits as Congress Chief in Punjab

Meanwhile, the political crisis in Punjab took a new turn as Navjot Singh Sidhu quit as Punjab Congress president. In his resignation letter, Sidhu claimed that he won’t “compromise on Punjab’s future”. “The collapse of man’s character stems from the compromise corner. I can never compromise on Punjab’s future and the agenda for welfare of Punjab. Therefore I hereby resign as president of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. Will continue to serve the Congress,” the letter read.

Capt. Amarinder Chimes in after Sidhu Quit Congress

Meanwhile, after his resignation, former Punjab CM Capt. Amarinder Singh took to Twitter. Once again, letting his voice be vocal, Singh wrote, “I told you so…he is not a stable man and not fit for the border state of Punjab.”

Reportedly, Sidhu’s resignation is a consequence of him being disgruntled after certain cabinet changes were made by the new Chief Minister.