BJP Using Fear Tactics to Win Over Opposition, Says Digvijaya Singh

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has accused the BJP of using fear of investigating agencies to force opposition leaders to switch sides. He made these remarks in response to his former colleague Suresh Pachouri joining the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Indore, March 9: Congress Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of employing fear tactics through investigating agencies to compel opposition leaders to switch their loyalties. Singh made these remarks in response to his former Congress colleague Suresh Pachouri's recent defection to the BJP.

Pachouri's Move Attributed to Power-Seeking

Singh dismissed Pachouri's claims that the Congress was distancing itself from the people, suggesting that such statements were mere excuses. He asserted that these leaders are unable to resist the allure of power and are joining the BJP for personal gain.

Fear of Investigation Agencies Cited

Singh alleged that leaders from other parties are joining the BJP due to the fear of the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department, and CBI, which the Union government is allegedly using as tools of intimidation. He expressed confidence in the Congress's ability to rebound from setbacks, drawing parallels to the party's resurgence after the crushing defeat it suffered in the post-Emergency elections of 1977.

Grassroots Support and Future Plans

Singh emphasized that the grassroots workers of the Congress remain loyal and steadfast. Regarding his own political future, he stated that he would abide by any decision made by the party, although the Congress has a wealth of capable candidates. Singh also criticized the BJP over a fire that broke out in Madhya Pradesh's State Secretariat Vallabh Bhawan, alleging that evidence of corruption was being destroyed and that reports of investigations into past fire incidents have never been made public.