Jairam Ramesh Says Congress Should Not Take Back Leaders Who Joined BJP

New Delhi: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has said that leaders who left the party and joined the BJP, especially younger leaders, should not be taken back into the Congress fold.

Speaking in an interview with PTI Videos, Ramesh said it would be “shameful” for the Congress to even consider bringing back those who had benefited from the party before shifting to the BJP. He, however, made it clear that the view was his personal opinion.

Ramesh Targets Leaders Who Left Congress

Ramesh was responding to a question on several young Congress leaders who moved to the BJP over the last 12 years. The names discussed included Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasada, Milind Deora, and RPN Singh, who were once seen as part of the Congress’s next-generation leadership.

Without targeting any one leader directly, Ramesh said those who had enjoyed positions, power, and organisational roles in the Congress should not be welcomed back after joining a party that is ideologically opposed to the Congress.

Calls Remaining Leaders Ideologically Committed

The Congress general secretary said the past 12 years had shown who remained resilient within the party. He added that those who are still with the Congress are ideologically committed, especially at a time when the party is not in power.

According to Ramesh, it was unfortunate that some younger leaders who received opportunities in the Congress chose to leave for the BJP.

Congress Comeback Debate Returns

Ramesh’s remarks have brought attention back to the issue of political defections and whether parties should reopen their doors to leaders who left during difficult periods.

Several former Congress leaders who joined the BJP later praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and also criticised their former party. Ramesh said his personal view was that such leaders should not be taken back.

Political Significance

The statement comes at a time when Congress is trying to project ideological clarity and internal loyalty as key strengths. Ramesh’s comments may also reflect a section within the party that wants stricter rules on leaders who leave after holding important posts.

While the Congress has not announced any official policy on taking back defectors, Ramesh’s remarks signal a tougher internal mood against leaders who crossed over to the BJP.