Congress follows democracy; BJP functions as a dictatorship: Former MP V.S. Ugrappa

Senior Congress leader and former MP V.S. Ugrappa has said that the Congress party functions on democratic principles and addresses its internal matters through established party mechanisms, unlike the BJP, which he alleged operates in a ‘dictatorial manner’.

Addressing press persons in Kalaburagi city, in Karnataka, on March 9, Mr Ugrappa claimed that decisions in the BJP were taken either by Prime Minister Narendra Modi or by leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Responding to questions on Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar’s recent visit to Delhi, Mr Ugrappa said there was nothing unusual about the trip. “Mr Shivakumar is also the KPCC president. He travelled to Delhi along with the AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. There is nothing unusual about it,” he said, adding that the visit may have been to discuss party related matters.

He reiterated that the party high command would take decisions on strengthening the organisation, and issues concerning governance. On several occasions, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Mr Shivakumar have both stated that they would abide by any decision taken by the party leadership, he added.

“This is not a matter to be discussed in public. The high command will take an appropriate decision at the appropriate time,” Mr Ugrappa said, while asserting that there are no differences within the party. “We are all united,” he expressed.

Donald Trump has lost his balance

Mr Ugrappa also criticised U.S. President Donald Trump for his recent statements on international issues. He alleged that Mr Trump has lost his balance, and was making unnecessary remarks on matters concerning other countries.

“He earlier claimed that he had stopped a war between India and Pakistan, and also that he had intervened in several other conflicts. He spoke about imposing heavy taxes on India and other countries, but later withdrew those statements,” Mr Ugrappa said.

Referring to Mr. Trump’s recent comments about temporarily permitting India to purchase crude oil from Russia, Mr Ugrappa said such remarks indicated inconsistency in his statements. “These statements show a lack of balance. Ultimately, global affairs will take their own course,” he said.