Dehradun: Ramsharan Nautiyal, father of Bollywood singer Jubin Nautiyal and former BJP leader in Uttarakhand, joined the Congress on Monday. Uttarakhand in-charge Kumari Selja got him the membership of the party at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi. On this occasion, Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya, State Congress President Ganesh Godiyal and Chakrata MLA Pritam Singh were also present. Ramsharan Nautiyal had resigned from BJP a few days ago. Giving reasons for leaving the party, he had alleged that he was not getting proper respect in the organisation and had to be publicly humiliated on several occasions.
Why did he decide to leave BJP after 12 years?
Ramsharan Nautiyal was associated with BJP for about 12 years. On his decision to leave the party, he had said that it is not easy to leave an organisation in which a person has worked for a long time. However, according to him, respect is very important for any person. He said that if respect is not given somewhere, it is natural to stay away from that place. After his statement, discussions intensified regarding his next step in Uttarakhand politics.
Why was Ramsharan Nautiyal angry with BJP leadership?
Nautiyal had raised questions on the state BJP leadership for his displeasure. He had said that state president Mahendra Bhatt should be asked about the reasons for his leaving the party. He said that there can be disagreements in a political organisation, but it is important to maintain personal respect. He had also alleged that if the party is run at the behest of some people, then the responsibility for the complaints also lies with those in the leadership. These allegations were made by Ramsharan Nautiyal.
What did he claim to be insulted on public platforms?
Before leaving BJP, Nautiyal had said that he had to face insults on public platforms. He had raised the question as to why he was treated like this when he did not ask for anything from the government for his personal interests. According to him, he kept raising issues related to his area. Some of these demands were fulfilled, while some remained pending. He alleged that despite this his own people continued to oppose his words.
What effect will joining Congress have on the politics of Uttarakhand?
Ramsharan Nautiyal’s joining Congress has come at a time when political activities are intensifying regarding the upcoming assembly elections in Uttarakhand. The joining of the opposition party by a leader who has been associated with BJP for a long time can be considered politically important for Congress. However, how much impact his change of party will have on the electoral equations will become clear in the times to come. At present, with his joining Congress, the issue of defection and displeasure of leaders in Uttarakhand politics has once again come into discussion.
