2024 Lok Sabha Election: Congress Spokesman Rohan Gupta Joins BJP, His Final Statement admin, April 11, 2024 Rohan Gupta expressed his opinion that leaders who cannot listen should not be given a free run. He did not name anyone explicitly, but it was evident that his comments were directed towards the individual in charge of communications for his party. Gupta expressed his disappointment in this leader, citing instances where he failed to demonstrate basic courtesy, like not calling when Gupta’s father was hospitalized. Additionally, Gupta criticized the handling of communication within the party, including issues related to nationalism, Sanatan, and alliances with the Aam Aadmi Party. Despite his disappointments, Gupta acknowledged that he and others continued to persevere but eventually reached a breaking point when he did not receive a courtesy call about his father. This led him to make the decision to leave the party, citing the importance of self-respect. Gupta also addressed the ongoing criticism of those who choose to depart from the party, emphasizing the need to consider self-respect as a valid reason for such decisions. He expressed the belief that feedback from the ground should be taken seriously, and leaders who cannot listen should not be allowed to have free rein. In explaining his decision to join the BJP, despite his previous criticisms on behalf of the Congress, Gupta mentioned his belief in the long-term vision of the party. He highlighted the BJP’s alignment with what the Congress once represented, particularly in terms of centrist policies and nationalism. According to Gupta, the Congress has shifted away from these core values in favor of leftist ideas, which he believes have led to missteps such as the party’s refusal to attend the Ayodhya Ram temple inauguration. Gupta also critiqued the Congress’s handling of the temple issue, suggesting that the party could have chosen to visit the temple on a different day, rather than completely abstaining from the event. He expressed his disappointment with the party’s shift from its historical positions on liberalization and economic growth and indicated that the party’s leadership is not in touch with grassroots issues. When asked about his previous critical tweets about the BJP, Gupta stated that he is not ashamed of his past and that he had worked faithfully for the Congress for 15 years. However, he suggested that the party no longer aligns with his vision and mission, and he is now trying to gracefully transition to a new political direction. Rohan Gupta