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The corridors of political power in Mumbai reverberated with controversy as Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddique made startling allegations of discrimination and body-shaming within the party. Siddique, who was summarily removed from his position as President of the Mumbai unit of the Youth Congress, cited instances of mistreatment during Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra as the catalyst for his decision to speak out.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, February 22, Siddique revealed that he had been subjected to derogatory remarks regarding his weight by individuals purportedly associated with Rahul Gandhi. “People in Rahul Gandhi’s circle do not talk properly with us,” Siddique lamented. “During Bharat Jodo Yatra in Nanded, I was thrown away. A person close to him told me ‘pehle 10 kilo kum kar, phir tujhe Rahul ji se milaunga’ (lose 10 kilograms first, then I’ll introduce you to Rahul ji).”
Siddique’s accusations cast a shadow over the Congress party’s internal dynamics, particularly its treatment of minority leaders. Alleging a lack of value for Muslims within the party, Siddique expressed disillusionment with the Congress’s purported abandonment of secularism. “There is no value for Muslims in the Congress,” he declared. “Muslims were targeted, and there was communalism in the Youth Congress.”
The controversy surrounding Siddique’s removal from his post further deepens amid speculation of his potential defection to another political faction. The central leadership of the Congress swiftly appointed local youth activist Akhilesh Yadav as Siddique’s replacement, alongside Sufiyan Haider as the working president. Siddique’s removal comes in the wake of reports suggesting his inclination towards joining the NCP (Ajit Pawar).
Despite the upheaval, Siddique remains undeterred in his quest for justice and equitable treatment within the political sphere. Vowing to explore alternative options in other political parties, Siddique’s stance underscores the need for greater inclusivity and tolerance within political organizations.
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