New Delhi, 05 July (H.S.): Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh on Sunday dismissed reports of internal dissent in the Punjab Congress over the Assembly Election Committee list, asserting that the party is founded on democratic values where leaders and workers are free to express their opinions. He said there is no dissatisfaction of any kind within the party.

Speaking to reporters here, Ramesh said the Congress has several experienced and influential leaders whose supporters naturally express their views with enthusiasm. At times, he said, such enthusiasm becomes media headlines, but that should not be interpreted as evidence of any serious internal crisis. He added that the Congress has never believed in suppressing opinions and that its leaders openly express their views, reflecting the party's democratic culture.

He said the Congress has no shortage of experienced leaders with strong public support. According to him, the enthusiasm shown by supporters of different leaders is natural and should not be viewed as a sign of conflict. Ramesh claimed that public sentiment is turning against the present government in Punjab and expressed confidence that the Congress is well-positioned to regain the people's trust. He said the people of Punjab are seeking change and that the party expects to secure a decisive mandate in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

On the issue of the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies and any possible constitutional amendment, Ramesh said the Congress would oppose any proposal that undermines India's democratic and federal structure. He alleged that the Central Government is attempting to engineer divisions among various political parties in order to secure the parliamentary numbers required to pass such measures. He noted that a constitutional amendment relating to delimitation had previously failed to obtain the necessary support and alleged that the government may attempt to revive it. He further accused the ruling establishment of encouraging splits in regional parties to weaken the Opposition and gain political advantage.

Commenting on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka, Ramesh questioned the role of the Election Commission. He said the Congress is not opposed to the revision of electoral rolls but has serious concerns about the manner in which the exercise is being conducted. He alleged that the Election Commission is functioning like an extension of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He said the Congress has held meetings with all its MLAs in Karnataka and is actively working to ensure that no eligible voter's name is removed from the electoral rolls. He added that the party would not allow a situation similar to the controversy witnessed in Bihar over electoral rolls to arise in Karnataka.

Ramesh also reiterated the Congress' demand for an investigation into the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram Temple under the supervision of a sitting judge of the Supreme Court. He said the Prime Minister should also clarify his position on the matter.

Referring to the privilege notice submitted by Congress MP K.C. Venugopal over Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statement in Parliament regarding Operation Sindoor, Ramesh said the Speaker of the Lok Sabha should now take an appropriate decision on the issue.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar