Congress calls Rahul's resignation bold, BJP dubs it 'grand drama'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s formal resignation from the post of party president on Wednesday (July 3) has brought about a variety of responses from numerous politicians. While some expressed regret and sorrow over his resignation and claimed that he will always be a leader in their hearts, a few used this as a chance to compare the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress and point out the strengths of saffron party and the weaknesses of Congress. Here are some of the responses:

Priyanka Gandhi took to Twitter and said, “Few have the courage that you do @rahulgandhi. Deepest respect for your decision.”

JD(S) president and ex-prime minister HD Deve Gowda stated that Rahul Gandhi had toured the whole country and struggled a lot to strengthen the party. He added that Gandhi had done his best and had taken moral responsibility.

Karnataka Congress leader and irrigation minister DK Shivakumar said to India Today, “Without the Gandhi family, Congress can’t be united; without the Congress being united, the country can’t be united. Gandhi family is the only strength to keep this party strong.”

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh speaking to India Today said that it was a difficult time for the Congress, but that they would get through it and emerge stronger, with Rahul’s vision guiding them. He also said, “One electoral defeat cannot define Rahul Gandhi’s leadership abilities. It was not fair for Rahul to hold himself accountable for a collective defeat.”

On the other hand, there have been a few snide comments too.

Prakash Javadekar said to India Today, “in BJP, the (organisational) election and membership timetable is ready. Work has also started. We also have a working president. If nothing is happening in the other party, what can I do?”

Meanwhile, BJP MP Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that he respected the decision taken by Rahul Gandhi, but the logic behind his resignation was wrong and factually incorrect. “Congress lost after people of this country voted for PM Modi because they were not ready to accept the dynastic and corrupt politics of Congress,” he added.

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi called the announcement of Rahul Gandhi’s resignation as “brand new drama of the old party”.

The Shiv Sena was hopeful that Rahul Gandhi’s resignation would help in organisational re-structuring and pave the way for a new era of the Congress. “The Modi storm has uprooted Rahul Gandhi. There was criticism that the Congress is dominated by one family and many voters were turning their back on the party. This development will be crucial,” Shiv Sena spokesperson and MP Sanjay Raut told India Today.

Sources have mentioned that Rahul Gandhi and his mother, Sonia Gandhi will be leaving for the US in two days. It is said that they will be travelling for a follow-up on Sonia Gandhi’s health check-up.

(With inputs from agencies)