'Betrayers': Madhya Pradesh Congress Leader Criticises Defectors As Over 100 Leaders, Workers Join BJP

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav welcomed Harivallabh Shukla, who represented the Shivpuri assembly constituency, and other Congress workers to the BJP.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav welcomed Congress leaders and party workers from Shivpuri as they joined the BJP at the party's headquarters, in Bhopal on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

A Congress former MLA from Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district, along with several local party leaders, made the switch to the BJP on Saturday, drawing criticism from a functionary within the grand old party who branded them as "betrayers."

A day after six Lok Sabha seats in the state went to polls in the first phase of parliamentary elections, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav welcomed Harivallabh Shukla, who represented the Shivpuri assembly constituency, and other Congress workers to the BJP at an event here.

“We welcome you with open arms to the party. We are going to work with one accord. You are free to give suggestions and play an important role in the party (BJP),” Yadav expressed to the new members of the saffron party.

According to a party statement, over 100 Congress leaders transitioned to the BJP during the event.

In the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP initiated a drive to absorb disenchanted Congress leaders into its ranks in Madhya Pradesh. Over the past few months, numerous Congress figures have switched allegiance to the BJP in the state.

Earlier, CM Yadav had remarked on the rapid expansion of PM Narendra Modi's political network in Madhya Pradesh.

History Won't Forgive These ‘Betrayers’: MP Congress Leader

K K Mishra, the media advisor to MP Congress chief Jitu Patwari, dismissed Shukla as a waning influence within the party. Mishra contended that the departure of the former legislator would have no bearing on the Congress.

“Those who are joining BJP are betraying their political mother. They got everything but when the time came to pay back to the party and fight the divisive forces, they showed their back and fled tempted by money and muscle power,” he said. “History won't forgive these ‘betrayers’,” Mishra added.

Of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in BJP-governed Madhya Pradesh, six underwent polling in the initial phase on Friday. Voting in the remaining constituencies is scheduled across three more phases between April 26 and May 13.