18 former IAS, IPS officers, lawyers, leaders from various parties join Congress

The Congress on Wednesday inducted 18 prominent personalities from the administrative services, legal fraternity, political organisations and social movements into its ranks, asserting that mounting public dissatisfaction with the BJP-led government is encouraging experienced professionals and public figures to join the opposition.

The induction ceremony was attended by AICC Media and Publicity Department chairman Pawan Khera, Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam, Congress OBC Department chairman Anil Jaihind and Lok Sabha MP Rakesh Rathore.

Mix of former officials and political leaders

Among those who joined the Congress were Dr Anoop Kumar Ambedkar, who previously served as the Bahujan Samaj Party's in-charge for several states; Supreme Court advocates Mayank Yadav and Shrey Yadav; former Uttar Pradesh PCS officer Sunil Kumar Verma; former Punjab cadre IAS officer Chaudhary Khushi Ram; former Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer and Indian Political Justice Party chief B P Ashok; and farmer leader Rohit Jakhar, who played an active role during the farmers' protest.

Others inducted into the party included retired Kerala cadre DGP Sudesh Kumar; former Aam Aadmi Party social media in-charge and former BSP Lok Sabha candidate Waqar Chaudhary; former RTA officer Vikrant Gautam; Desh Bachao Andolan member Sachin; Indian Political Justice Party national treasurer Kishan Swaroop; R K Massey; Rajendra Prasad Vishabh; Amit Kumar; Rashtriya Lok Dal national secretary Savitri Gautam; Arun Banswal; and Samaj Vikas Kranti Party chief Ashok Singh.

Congress targets BJP government

Welcoming the new entrants, Rajendra Pal Gautam launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government, alleging that nearly every section of society now feels "betrayed" by the BJP's policies.

He claimed that, apart from a small group of influential industrialists, the government's policies had weakened the interests of various social and economic groups across the country.

Rahul Gandhi cited as key attraction

Gautam said that as different communities search for an alternative political platform, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a leader who represents the aspirations and concerns of a wide cross-section of society, particularly young people and marginalised communities.According to him, the newly inducted members were drawn to the Congress by Gandhi's political vision, commitment and style of leadership.

Congress claims 'support is shifting'

Congress OBC Department chairman Anil Jaihind alleged that the BJP government was attempting to weaken opposition parties through political pressure, but maintained that public confidence was steadily shifting in favour of the Congress. He said the party was witnessing growing support not only from intellectuals and professionals but also from ordinary citizens who were looking for an alternative political direction.