Cong dist chief praises Rahul for Mandsaur, but calls him ‘Pappu’, removed from all posts

Meerut: Vinay Pradhan, a senior Congressman and the party’s Meerut district president, on Monday sent a WhatsApp message in "support" of Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Mandsaur, where five agitating farmers were killed in police firing, on a group called 'Indian National Congress'. But the message repeatedly referred to the Congress vice-president as “Pappu”. On Tuesday, Pradhan was removed from all party positions for his “provocative” post.
The WhatsApp message heaped praise on Rahul for putting the interest of the nation first. But it said: “Pappu could have joined hands with Adani, Ambani and Mallya but he did not do that. Pappu could have been a minister or even the Prime Minister but he did not go down that road. Instead, he put his life on the line by going to Mandsaur.”
On Tuesday, Ramkrishna Dwivedi, chairman of the disciplinary committee within the Congress, issued a letter removing Pradhan from all party posts. “This is an attempt to malign the image of the party leadership. Other parties appear to be involved in this attempt. It is also an effort to divert attention from main issues like the plight of farmers in Madhya Pradesh. “Vinay Pradhan is guilty of violating the constitution of the Congress Party and is hereby removed from all party posts,” the letter issued by Dwivedi said.
Pradhan, who seemed a little befuddled, defended himself and said this was an attempt by some party insiders to malign his image and that he wasn’t even given an opportunity to explain. “This is an effort by some people in the party to malign me. I have not sent any such message. The screenshots which are being circulated have been photoshopped. I respect Rahul Gandhiji and would never use such language for him. The party should have at least heard me out before removing me from all posts. I am seeking an appointment with the party vice-president and will explain the entire matter to him,” he said