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| Prime Minister Narendra Modi in conversation with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.(ANI) |
New Delhi - Controversy Over 'Margdarshak Mandal' Membership, The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has refuted claims by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh have officially joined the party's 'Margdarshak Mandal' (Advisory Council).
Congress Alleges Modi, Rajnath Entered Advisory Body
Earlier today, the Kerala unit of the Congress party claimed that according to the BJP's website, Modi and Rajnath Singh have officially entered the 'Margdarshak Mandal'. The KPCC expressed apprehension that this move could be linked to the recent Lok Sabha election results.
BJP Clarifies Long-Standing Membership
Responding to the allegations, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Modi and Singh have been part of the 'Margdarshak Mandal' since its constitution in August 2014. He clarified that five leaders – Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Rajnath Singh, and Narendra Modi – were included in the advisory body when it was formed, with Vajpayee passing away in August 2018.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Government's Future
Several opposition leaders have claimed that the third term of the BJP-led NDA government may be short-lived, as the party, with 240 seats, is dependent on allies. The Congress-led INDIA bloc secured 234 seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections, while the Congress party alone won 99 seats.
Escalating Political Tensions
The controversy over the 'Margdarshak Mandal' membership has further escalated political tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition parties. As the new government takes shape, both sides will likely continue to engage in heated debates and accusations.
