In a bid to praise Rahul Gandhi’s recent attempt to visit Mandsaur following the death of five protesting farmers, Pradhan allegedly referred to the party’s vice president as ‘Pappu’ repeatedly,on a WhatsApp group titled ‘Indian National Congress’. ‘Pappu’, which means young boy, is a term often used disparagingly by Rahul Gandhi’s critics to insinuate that he is clueless. Vinay Pradhan has been removed from all party positions.
“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.” Vinay Pradhan, Congress’ Meerut district president could not have foreseen his message would trigger.
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According to reports, on tuesday, Ramkrishna Dwivedi, chairman of the disciplinary committee in Congress, issued a letter announcing Pradhan’s removal from all 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.”
“Rahul Gandhi was not addressed as Pappu, a social media handler of the Congress named Anurag had posted something on a WhatsApp group of which I am the admin and so by that he had meant that the BJP is trying to build an image of Rahul Gandhi that is of a Pappu when Rahul ji is actually someone who is exactly the opposite…But then there are certain elements who misinterpret the matter and present the misinterpreted version,” Mr Pradhan was quoted saying by some reports. It was also reported that he alleged that the screenshots being circulated were photoshopped. He further said “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.”
The BJP said Mr Pradhan’s treatment exposes the party’s hypocrisy. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra “Punishment for ‘Pappu‘ followed quickly but there was no penalty for calling the army chief a roadside goon,” said.
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The Congress received flak from its critic’s for letting off leader Sandeep Dikshit, who referred to the chief of the army staff General Bipin Rawat as”sadak ke goonde” to refer to the chief of the army easy, while Pradhan was removed from all posts.