New Delhi: Following criticism from within the party and outside, Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath on Wednesday evening resigned as the Congress party’s in-charge for Punjab, a post he was given just two days ago.
In his resignation letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Mr. Nath said “certain elements” were raking up the 1984 riots and pinning charges on him for “political gains.” His resignation has been accepted by Sonia Gandhi. Read Also: (Kamal Nath’s appointment is like ‘rubbing salt on wounds’)
Kamal Nath’s appointment to manage party’s affair in Punjab came a day before Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi visited the state and attacked leaders of Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party government over the growing problem of drug abuse in the state.
On Tuesday Aam Aadmi Party and leaders of Shiromani Akali Dal tore into Congress for appointing Kamal Nath as the party’s general secretary in-charge of Punjab, terming its as “the ultimate insult to Sikhs” resurrecting allegations that he was involved in Delhi’s anti-Sikh riots that took place a day after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated.
In Punjab assembly elections which will be held early next year, the Congress leaders sees a great chance to make a comeback after 10 years of Akali rule. The Congress party is using the issue of drug menace at the core of its election campaign in the state.