Prominent Dalit leader Rajendra Pal Gautam joins Congress

Reinforcing its theme of social justice politics, the Congress inducted former Delhi government Minister and a prominent Dalit leader Rajendra Pal Gautam into the party as a primary member on Friday (September 6, 2024).

Two years ago, Mr. Gautam had to step down as a Minister of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Admi Party (AAP) government over his controversial comments on Hindu deities and participation in an event where nearly 10,000 people had converted to Buddhism.

‘Oct. 5 event was my formal conversion to Buddhism, says AAP leader Rajendra Pal Gautam

Alleging discrimination against Dalit and minority leaders in AAP, Mr. Gautam also resigned as the AAP MLA from the reserved Seemapuri Assembly constituency. The AAP’s loss of its most prominent Dalit leader could be Congress’s gain before the Delhi Assembly elections next year.

Mr. Gautam claimed that he was inspired by Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s call for protecting the Constitution, demand for a caste census and the promise to each community its fair share in governance.

“I thought that this is what greats like Mahatma Phule, Shahu, Ambedkar and Periyar fought for. I am 56 years old but for nearly 43 years, I have been fighting for social justice,” Mr. Gautam said, adding that it was difficult for him to campaign for social justice from AAP.

Asked about his earlier comments on Hindu deities, Mr. Gautam said, “The Constitution gives everyone the right to follow their faith and I respect that sentiment. But I must say that whenever people from our community go to temples, they have to face insulting behaviour.”

The former AAP leader joined the Congress at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in the presence of general secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, the party’s Delhi chief Devender Yadav and Congress’s media publicity department head Pawan Khera.

Calling it a proud moment, Mr. Venugopal said, ”The Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra have given a new narrative to the country, and now the country is also accepting it with full might. Attracted by the Congress programs under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, he has decided to join the Congress.”