Former Patiala MP Dharamvir Gandhi joins Congress, eyes Lok Sabha candidacy

Former Member of Parliament from Patiala, Dharamvir Gandhi, who once endured incarceration during the Emergency and later pursued a career in medicine, officially joined the Congress party in New Delhi on Monday. Gandhi, notable for his victory over Congress candidate Preneet Kaur in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, is anticipated to be nominated as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Patiala.

In a statement, Gandhi voiced his dissent against the current political climate, particularly criticizing the BJP-led government for what he perceives as fostering “religious polarisation”. He emphasized the significance of the impending Lok Sabha elections, asserting that they will shape the trajectory of the nation.

The induction ceremony witnessed Gandhi being welcomed by key Congress figures including Devender Yadav, the party’s Punjab in-charge, alongside Pawan Khera, state Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, and leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa.

When questioned about his candidacy in Patiala, Gandhi expressed confidence in his ability to triumph over Preneet Kaur, whom he addressed as “Maharani Preneet Kaur”. He asserted his determination to contest the election despite health challenges, underscoring his resolve to combat what he perceives as anti-people, anti-country, and anti-democratic forces represented by the BJP.

Gandhi, a 74-year-old cardiologist, highlighted his disillusionment with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which he had left in 2015 after a brief stint.

He underscored his alignment with the Congress, citing the need to be on the “right side of history” in the forthcoming elections.

Moreover, Gandhi expressed admiration for Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, particularly endorsing slogans such as “nafrat ke bazar mein mohabbat ki dukaan” (a shop of love in the market of hatred) and “daro mat” (do not fear), which he believes encapsulate the ethos of the Congress.

Commenting on national affairs, Gandhi criticized the privatization of public assets, labeling it as a “complete sellout”. He lamented the transfer of national assets to corporate entities at undervalued prices, asserting that such actions undermine the public’s rightful ownership over these resources.

With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominating Preneet Kaur as its candidate in Patiala and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) selecting Punjab minister Dr. Balbir Singh as its contender, the electoral landscape in Patiala is gearing up for a four-cornered contest. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is yet to declare its candidates for the upcoming June 1st elections.

Gandhi’s decision to align with the Congress marks a significant development in the political dynamics of Punjab, setting the stage for a fiercely contested electoral battle in Patiala.