Congress MP Sukhjinder Randhawa Launches Scathing Attack on BJP's Sunil Jakhar
In a fiery political exchange, Gurdaspur Lok Sabha MP and former Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has sharply criticized Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, labeling him a "most skilled backstabber" and an "opportunist." This verbal assault came in response to Jakhar's recent social media post that connected certain Congress MPs to the 2022 security breach involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy in Punjab.
Jakhar's Allegations and Randhawa's Retort
On Friday, Sunil Jakhar took to X to express concerns about the conduct of some Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha, suggesting that their actions cannot be dismissed as routine disruptions. He specifically pointed out that "some of the very individuals who, in 2022, presided over and enabled circumstances that endangered the Prime Minister's security in Punjab are today members of the Lok Sabha." Jakhar emphasized that history remains relevant when similar patterns are repeated, accusing these MPs of attempting to paralyze Parliament and assault the constitutional dignity of the Prime Minister's office.
Retaliating swiftly, Sukhjinder Randhawa posted on X, describing Jakhar's political journey as "dripping with unabashed opportunism." He argued that if Jakhar was genuinely aggrieved by the 2022 incident, he should have resigned from his position as Campaign Committee Chairman at the time, rather than later defecting to the BJP. Randhawa stated, "Traitors who abandon party, comrades, and legacy for personal gain have no right to lecture on discipline or loyalty." He further asserted that Jakhar is now widely recognized within the Congress as the epitome of betrayal.
Background of the Political Rivalry
The tension between Randhawa and Jakhar dates back to their time together in the Congress party. There has been widespread speculation that Randhawa played a significant role in preventing Jakhar from becoming the chief minister of Punjab following the removal of Captain Amarinder Singh in late 2021. Interestingly, Randhawa himself narrowly missed the opportunity to assume the top position when Charanjit Singh Channi was selected, making history as the first Sikh Dalit chief minister of the state.
This latest exchange highlights the ongoing political feud in Punjab, with both leaders leveraging past events to undermine each other's credibility. Jakhar's comments aimed to question the integrity of Congress MPs by referencing the security breach, while Randhawa countered by attacking Jakhar's loyalty and political motives.
Implications for Punjab Politics
The war of words between Sukhjinder Randhawa and Sunil Jakhar underscores the deep-seated animosities within Punjab's political landscape. As key figures in their respective parties, their public spat could influence voter perceptions and party strategies ahead of future elections. The focus on the 2022 PM security breach adds a layer of national security discourse to the local political rivalry, potentially resonating with a broader audience concerned about governance and accountability.
This incident serves as a reminder of how historical events are often weaponized in political debates, with both sides accusing each other of hypocrisy and betrayal. The outcome of this feud may shape alliances and public narratives in Punjab, impacting the dynamics between the Congress and BJP in the region.
