A senior Congress member from Uttar Pradesh was removed from all party position for repeatedly addressing Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi as "Pappu" in a message posted on a social media platform in an attempt to laud him for his visit to Mandsaur. This was following the death of five protesting farmers in police firing.
Reports suggest that "Pappu" is the term Rahul's critics use when they denounce him on social media. Party's Meerut district president, Vinay Pradhan, allegedly made the reference via a WhatsApp message in a group by the name 'Indian National Congress'.
Praising Rahul for "putting the interest of the nation before his own", the message further read – "Pappu could have joined hands with Adani, Ambani, and Mallya but he did not do that. Pappu could have been a Minister or even the Prime Minister, but he did not go down that road. Instead, he put his life on the line by going to Mandsaur."
Ramakrishna Dwivedi, Chairman of the disciplinary committee in Congress, on Tuesday, issued a letter announcing Pradhan's removal from all part party posts for the "provocative" message. "This is an attempt to malign the party leadership. Other parties appear to be involved in this. It is also an effort to divert attention from the main issues, like the plight of farmers in Madhya Pradesh," he said in the letter, adding, "Vinay Pradhan is guilty of violating the constitution of Congress party."
Pradhan, on the other hand, claims that the message was not sent by him, neither was he given an opportunity to explain himself. "This is an effort by some people in the party to malign me. I have not sent any such message. The screenshots being circulated have been photoshopped. I respect Rahul Gandhiji and would never use such language for him. The party should have at least heard me out before removing me from all posts. I am seeking an appointment with him and will explain the matter to him," he said.
