Rahul's Scorn, Scindia's Dignified Reply
Editor-in-Chief of indiacommentary.com. Current Affairs analyst and political commentator.
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By Sunil Garodia
First publised on 2021-03-09 11:15:24
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Editor-in-Chief of indiacommentary.com. Current Affairs analyst and political commentator.
View all posts by this Author
Rahul Gandhi has termed Jyotiraditya Scindia "a backbencher in the BJP" perhaps referring to his almost negligible political role (as visible to outsiders) in either Madhya Pradesh or the Centre after deserting the Congress and joining the BJP. Scindia, on his part, has come out with a dignified retort by saying that things would have been "different" had Rahul taken as much interest in party affairs then as he is doing now.
Although Rahul Gandhi is not off the mark by calling Scindia a backbencher in the BJP, he must also realize that being an alleged backbencher in the ruling and vibrant party (obviously newbies, however celebrated, go through a cooling-off period) is infinitely better than being an ignored frontbencher in a moribund and inward-looking party whose satraps had no time to even listen to his grievances.
While the Congress promoted the tainted Kamal Nath at the expense of Scindia in Madhya Pradesh, ignoring his massive contribution to the party's victory in the state elections, the BJP has acknowledged his contribution in toppling the Kamal Nath ministry and rewarded his loyal MLAs with ministerial berths. No party can immediately promote a newcomer over established and popular leaders like Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Scindia's clout in Madhya Pradesh politics is visible in the number of his loyalists occupying berths in the Chouhan cabinet.
Further, it is not only through important positions that a politician gets gratified. Scindia was completely ignored in the Congress. The party was just interested in the votes he brought to the party through his influence in large parts of MP. Neither was he consulted on major policy decisions nor were his grievances addressed. Maybe Scindia finds people in the BJP more receptive to him. What seems to be the backbench to Rahul Gandhi might be a pivotal seat for Scindia. After all, Scindia has not once sulked or expressed his displeasure against BJP leaders like he used to do against Congress leaders. Hence, while Rahul is entitled to his opinion but it seems wishful thinking on his part to say that Scindia will return to the Congress.
