The ‘Damaad’ Dilemma: Why Congress Is Conflicted About Backing Robert Vadra
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Initially, the party felt that commenting on a “private person” who had nothing to do with politics would not make for good optics
Priyanka Vadra has been ferocious in her defence of her husband, which is also borne by the fact that she is usually seen accompanying him for many of his ED summons. (PTI)
For the Congress, Robert Vadra is like a fishbone stuck in their throat — he may be their weak link but they cannot ignore him. For the BJP, he epitomises corruption which reaches the top in the Congress, all the way up to the Gandhi family.
The BJP has consistently used the ‘damaad’ [son-in-law] jibe against Vadra, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself making the point that Congress leaders have gone overboard to ensure someone who is not in active politics yet—but is important in the hierarchy by virtue of his marriage into the family—has got several benefits.
The corruption allegations against Vadra also reached the doorsteps of former chief minister Bhupinder Hooda for having finalised sweet deals to benefit Vadra.
Priyanka Vadra has been ferocious in her defence of her husband, which is also borne by the fact that she is usually seen accompanying him for many of his Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons.
The Congress is usually confused in its response to Vadra. Initially, especially when Priyanka Vadra was not in active politics, the party steered clear of defending him when he got summons. It was felt that the party commenting on a “private person” who had nothing to do with politics would not make for good optics. In fact, for long, Priyanka Vadra’s entry into active politics was delayed because some gave her the feedback that the Vadra issue could overshadow her politics and the BJP would target the businessman even more if she enters active politics.
Vadra himself has expressed a desire to join active politics soon. In fact, he was often seen campaigning in Amethi and Rae Bareili, making political statements and taking on the Modi government on multiple issues. The party, and more importantly the family, has been reluctant to take the final call.
With the latest ED summons being issued, many in the Congress are worried about Vadra’s possible arrest and the party is gearing up for a long political battle. This comes at a time when both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are mentioned as accused number 1 and 2 in the chargesheet in the National Herald case.
For now, the party’s protests are focused more on the chargesheet compared to Vadra’s summoning, reflecting the dilemma of the Congress.
