Congress district president of Meerut, Vinay Pradhan, was sacked from all party posts for addressing Vice President Rahul Gandhi as “Pappu” on a party’s local WhatsApp group.
“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,” the message reportedly reads.
However, Pradhan has denied sending any such message being sent on ‘Indian National Congress’ Whatsapp group, and called it an attempt to malign him.
“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, who seemed a little befuddled, defended himself and said, this was an attempt by some party insiders to malign his image and that he wasn’t even given an opportunity to explain. “This is an effort by some people in the party to malign me. I have not sent any such message. The screenshots which are 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 the party vice-president and will explain the entire matter to him,” he said.
“Rahul Gandhi is also known as ‘Pappu’ by a section of people in this country. People of this country are witness to the fact that Pappu has never taken to a lavish lifestyle,” the WhatsApp message read.
The senior party leaders and Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Raj Babbar did not approve it and Pradhan was removed from all party posts on Tuesday.
However, Pradhan claimed that the message was not sent by him and alleged that some people were trying to defame him.
