Anand Sharma's Remarks Serve The Polarising Agenda Of BJP: Adhir As Chism In Cong Widens

Senior leader Anand Sharma had slammed Congress's tie-up with the ISF led by Muslim cleric Abbas Siddiqui in West Bengal, contending that it was against 'Gandhian and Nehruvian secularism'

Outlook Web Bureau

Updated on: 2 March 2021 3:16 pm

West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Tuesday lashed out at his colleague Anand Sharma over his critical remarks on the alliance with the Indian Secular Front ISF). He also accused him of "undermining" the party's interest by making remarks to resonate with the BJP's "agenda".

On Monday, senior leader Anand Sharma slammed the Congress's tie-up with the ISF led by Muslim cleric Abbas Siddiqui in West Bengal, contending that it was against the "Gandhian and Nehruvian secularism" and the party cannot be selective in fighting "communalists".

In a series of tweets, an infuriated Chowdhury did not mince words in flaying Sharma, a former union minister and a leader of the group of 23 which had written to Congress president Sonia Gandhi demanding organisational overhaul.

Know ur facts @AnandSharmaINC ji

1. CPI(M) led Left Front is leading the secular alliance in West Bengal of which Congress is an integral part. We are determined to defeat BJP's communal & divisive politics and an autocratic regime.
1/4
— Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) March 1, 2021

2/4
Know ur facts @AnandSharmaINC : -

2. @INCIndia has got its full share of seats. Left Front is allocating seats from its share to the newly formed Indian Secular Front-ISF. Ur choice to call the decision of CPM led front ‘communal’ is only serving the polarising agenda of BJP
— Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) March 1, 2021

3/4
Know ur facts @AnandSharmaINC ji-

3. Those who are committed to fight against #BJP parties venomous communalism should support the Congress & campaign for the party in five states rather than attempting to undermine the party by remarks in tune with BJP’s agenda.
— Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) March 1, 2021

4/4
Know ur facts @AnandSharmaINC -

4. Would urge a select group of distinguished Congressmen to rise above always seeking personal comfort spots & stop wasting time singing praises of PM.

They owe a duty to strengthen the Party & not undermine the tree that nurtured them.
— Adhir Chowdhury (@adhirrcinc) March 1, 2021

Congress’ alliance with parties like ISF and other such forces militates against the core ideology of the party and Gandhian and Nehruvian secularism, which forms the soul of the party. These issues need to be approved by the CWC.
— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC) March 1, 2021

Congress cannot be selective in fighting communalists but must do so in all its manifestations, irrespective of religion and colour. The presence and endorsement West Bengal PCC President is painful and shameful, he must clarify.
— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC) March 1, 2021

"Know ur facts@AnandSharmaINC ji. CPI(M)-led Left Front is leading the secular alliance in West Bengal, of which Congress is an integral part. We are determined to defeat BJP's communal & divisive politics and an autocratic regime," he tweeted late on Monday night.

"@INCIndia has got its full share of seats. Left Front is allocating seats from its share to the newly-formed Indian Secular Front-ISF. Ur choice to call the decision of CPM-led front 'communal' is only serving the polarising agenda of BJP," Chowdhury said.

Sharma had also sought clarification from Chowdhury for attending the joint rally in Kolkata where ISF leaders were present, alleging that his presence and endorsement was "painful and shameful".

The West Bengal Congress chief, in reply said: "Those who are committed to fighting against #BJP parties venomous communalism should support the Congress & campaign for the party in five states rather than attempting to undermine the party by remarks in tune with BJP's agenda."

"Would urge a select group of distinguished Congressmen to rise above always seeking personal comfort spots & stop wasting time singing praises of PM. They owe a duty to strengthen the Party & not undermine the tree that nurtured them," Chowdhury added.

The Congress-Left Front-ISF has forged a 'Sayunkta Morcha' (united front) to take on the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP in the Assembly elections, the first phase of which will begin on March 27.

With PTI Inputs