The Congress party joined hands with former student leader Kanhaiya Kumar today as the activist switched his party. He was instated into the Congress in the presence of party leader Rahul Gandhi at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in the national capital. Though Gujarat Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani couldn’t make his presence felt in the event formally due to technical issues, he did extend his support.  

Speaking about his decision to take the next step in his political career with the Congress, Mr Kumar said during the press meet following his induction, “I am joining the Congress because it’s not just a party, it’s an idea. It’s the country’s oldest and most democratic party, and I am emphasising on ‘democratic’…Not just me, but many think the country can’t survive without Congress.” 

Drawing similarities between the objectives of the Congress and the freedom fighters of India, he added, “Congress party is like a big ship. If it’s saved, I believe many people’s aspirations, Mahatma Gandhi’s oneness, Bhagat Singh’s courage, and BR Ambedkar’s idea of equality will be protected, too. This is why I have joined it.” 

He also mentioned that a specific mentality and ideology to rule the country was washing away India’s core values, history, culture and even its future. “Crores of youngsters” today believe that India “cannot be saved without saving Congress”, the former student leader said.  

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Previously associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI), Mr Kumar had joined the party back in 2019 before the general elections. He contested opposite Giriraj Singh of BJP on his ticket from hometown Begusarai of Bihar. However, he could not make a mark and BJP won.  

His installation day was celebrated by the Congress today as posters welcoming Mr Kumar were put up outside the Congress office, In the past 2 weeks, he met Rahul Gandhi twice, along with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, as per sources.  

Mr Kumar was arrested following his alleged “anti-national slogans” raised during the death anniversary event of Afzal Guru, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the Parliament attack.  

The switch, however, did not thrill the BJP as it claimed that Begusarai had rejected him. Alleging that the former JNU students’ union chief was only publicizing his “political ambition”, Bihar Minister Mangal Pandey said, “Begusarai rejected Kanhiya Kumar’s ideology earlier. Now he’s changing his ideology and party for political ambition but public doesn’t vote for anyone’s political ambition. He’s going to a party that has been rejected by Bihar and is a sinking boat now.” 

Kanhaiya Kumars entry into the Congress marks the party’s second step towards the community, given its earlier move with Punjab. Amarinder Singh was recently replaced by Charanjit Singh Channi, a Scheduled Caste member, as the new Chief Minister of the state.  

“I could not join the Congress formally due to technical reasons. I am an independent MLA, if I join a party, I may not continue as an MLA…I am part of the Congress ideologically but I will fight the upcoming Gujarat polls from Congress symbol… To save democracy and the idea of India, I have to be with a party that led the Independence struggle and dragged the British out of the country. This is why I am here with the Congress today,” Mr Mewani said about not being able to join the event.