Vibhakar Shastri, grandson of the esteemed former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, made headlines with his decision to resign from the Indian National Congress and promptly join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak. His departure from the Congress was marked by a scathing critique of Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, signaling his alignment with the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Expressing gratitude towards PM Modi, BJP leadership, and CM Yogi Adityanath, Shastri expressed his intention to advance Lal Bahadur Shastri’s vision within the BJP, indicating a significant realignment in his political affiliations. This move occurred amidst the BJP’s ongoing criticism of Nehru’s legacy, further emphasizing the ideological divergence between the two parties.
Shastri’s transition to the BJP reflects a broader trend of leaders departing from the Congress, with prominent figures such as former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan and Milind Deora making similar moves in recent weeks. This exodus underscores the evolving political landscape and highlights the BJP’s strategic efforts to expand its influence. As Shastri embarks on this new chapter in his political career, his decision resonates as both a personal choice and a reflection of larger shifts within Indian politics.