In a significant political reunion, former Union minister Birender Singh and his ex-MLA wife Prem Lata have officially joined the Congress after a decade-long absence from the party. The decision follows their son, Brijendra Singh, also making the switch to Congress, marking a family realignment in the political landscape of Haryana.
Birender Singh, aged 78 and renowned as the maternal grandson of farmer leader Sir Chhotu Ram, had departed from the Congress in 2014 to join the BJP, where he served as Union minister for steel among other significant portfolios. However, he has now expressed a poignant return to the Congress, citing it as not just a homecoming (‘ghar wapsi’) but also a reinstatement of his ideological roots (‘vichar wapsi’).
Speaking on his return, Birender Singh emphasized the need to uphold democracy and criticized the current government’s policies, particularly on issues concerning farmers and the marginalized. He accused the BJP of being detached from the reality of the people’s struggles, alleging insincerity in their approach towards addressing societal challenges.
The reunion of Birender Singh and Prem Lata with the Congress has been met with warm reception from party leaders, with Mukul Wasnik expressing confidence in strengthening the party’s presence in Haryana. Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda welcomed Birender Singh’s return, highlighting the importance of unity within the party to safeguard democratic values and constitutional principles.
AICC general secretary Randeep Surjewala echoed the sentiment, describing the occasion as an emotional moment and extending a hearty welcome to Birender Singh and Prem Lata. The event witnessed the presence of several prominent Congress leaders, signifying solidarity and support for the renewed political alliance.
The reintegration of Birender Singh and Prem Lata into the Congress fold not only reflects a strategic move in Haryana politics but also underscores the evolving dynamics within the state’s political arena. As they embark on this new chapter, their decision holds implications for the future trajectory of the Congress party in the region.
