The Congress party has expelled Laxman Singh, the brother of senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, for a period of six years, effective immediately. The expulsion comes as a result of what the party has termed "anti-party activities," specifically his repeated public criticism of Rahul Gandhi and the party leadership.
The All India Congress Committee's (AICC) disciplinary committee recommended the expulsion, citing Singh's persistent public statements against the party's leadership. Tariq Anwar, the member secretary of the Congress' Disciplinary Action Committee, officially announced the decision, stating that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge approved the expulsion of the former Madhya Pradesh MLA from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress.
While the Congress party's statement did not provide explicit details regarding the specific remarks that led to Laxman Singh's expulsion, it is understood that his repeated criticism of Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders crossed a line, prompting the disciplinary action. Laxman Singh has been a known critic of the party's direction in recent years.
Laxman Singh's political career includes prior terms in the state legislature, with his first election dating back to 1990. His expulsion marks a significant moment, given his family ties to Digvijaya Singh, a prominent figure within the Congress party.
The expulsion highlights the Congress party's growing intolerance for internal dissent, particularly when it manifests as public criticism of the leadership. The party is keen on projecting a united front. This decision sends a clear message to other members regarding the consequences of publicly undermining the party's image or questioning the leadership's decisions.
It remains to be seen what impact this expulsion will have on the Congress party's dynamics in Madhya Pradesh, where Laxman Singh has been active in politics. It also raises questions about the potential ramifications for Digvijaya Singh, given his familial connection to the expelled leader. How this situation will evolve and whether it will lead to further internal friction within the party remains to be observed.
