Ajay Yadav Claims Conspiracy Behind His Removal as AICC OBC Chairman

Ajay Singh Yadav, a senior Congress leader from Haryana, claimed on Thursday that his removal as chairman of the AICC OBC cell was abrupt and hinted at a conspiracy. The Congress party announced Anil Jaihind, a social activist from Bihar, as the new head of the All-India Congress Committee's OBC department, succeeding Captain Ajay Singh Yadav (retd.).

Hours after Anil Jaihind's appointment, Ajay Yadav criticised his party. He expressed his discontent on X, stating, "I have been unceremoniously removed as the chairman by the Congress president. This is a conspiracy by a coterie to humiliate me." The 66-year-old former Haryana minister reflected on his 40-year political journey, noting he had faced many challenges.

Leadership Changes and Allegations

The Congress acknowledged Captain Ajay Singh Yadav's contributions in a statement. Despite this, Yadav alleged that a group led by Navin Jahind was favouring a parallel OBC NGO to organise seminars. He mentioned he wasn't surprised by his removal and planned to elaborate further in an upcoming press conference.

Previously, Ajay Yadav had resigned from the party but was persuaded to stay by Kaushal Vidhyarthi, Rahul Gandhi's personal secretary. In an earlier post in Hindi on X, Yadav expressed gratitude towards Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi for entrusting him with the OBC chairman role for three years. He wished Anil Jaihind success in advancing Rahul Gandhi's ideology for backward classes.

Political Turmoil and Reconsideration

Following the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, Ajay Yadav announced his intention to leave the party due to perceived poor treatment after Sonia Gandhi stepped down as party president. On October 17, 2024, he declared his resignation from both the party and his position as AICC OBC cell chairman.

However, two days later on October 19, Ajay Yadav reversed his decision. He stated he was "a Congressman by birth" and intended to remain so "till my last breath." His son and former MLA Chiranjeev Rao played a crucial role in convincing him to move past previous grievances and continue working for the Congress.

The leadership shift within the AICC OBC department reflects ongoing changes within the Congress party. As Anil Jaihind takes over, there are expectations for him to focus on initiatives benefiting backward classes while upholding Rahul Gandhi's vision.