Sonia Gandhi's aide Tom Vadakkan ditches Congress, joins BJP
In a surprising move, Sonia Gandhi's aide and senior Congress leader Tom Vadakkan joined the BJP on Thursday in the presence of Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Announcing his decision, the former leader of Congress said he was upset with how his party reacted to the Pulwama attack and the airstrikes which followed. He claimed the party took a stand "against the country".
Vaddakan was fed up of dynasty politics
Vaddakan, who was a close aide of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said the feeling of patriotism and love for nation drove his decision. Addressing the press, Vaddakan alleged that "dynasty politics" has reached a zenith in the Congress and "use and throw" culture was rampant in the party. Vadakkan also said he had faith in the development narrative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Vadakkan will help BJP in Kerala
Vadakkan has never contested elections but held the position of secretary in AICC. His switch into BJP will boost the saffron party's prospects in Kerala, where it is fighting the CPI(M). According to reports, he may contest from Thrissur, Ernakulam or Idukki.
Congress gets big blow ahead of crucial elections
Earlier, member of Bihar Congress resigned as party wanted proofs
Notably, Vadakkan isn't the only one who was upset with Congress' stand on terrorism. A few days ago, a senior leader of Bihar Congress and spokesman Vinod Sharma quit the party. He handed over his resignation to party president Rahul Gandhi and said he was ashamed of being called a Congressman. Sharma had been associated with Congress for 30 years.
