LUCKNOW, India: Mr. Rajiv Gandhi got a political shock in his home state U.P. when Sanjay Singh, another old associate of his brother, Mr. Sanjay Gandhi and Transportation Minister in Uttar Pradesh Cabinet was dismissed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister. Earlier Mr. Sanjay joined the creasing ranks of the dissidents and submitted his resignation from the Cabinet. But, the Chief Minister who had hurried consultations with the Prime Minister, preferred to dismiss him, rather than accepting his resignation. The Chief Minister accused his ex-Transportation Minister as having lost his faith in his loyalty.
Mr. Sanjay Singh was so close to Mr. Rajiv Gandhi that he was tipped to contest as MLA from Amethi Vidhan Sabha constituency to enable him to look after the election campaign of the Prime Minister who got elected from Amethi Parliamentary constituency.
Mr. Sanjay Singh declared his total support to Mr. V.P. Singh, the ex-defense minister, for waging war against corruption in high places. Before submitting his resignation from the Cabinet, he declared that 24 more legislators will resign from Congress (I) very soon. At the moment large number of party men including prominent office bearers of the State organization has resigned from party along with Sanjay Singh.
The political circles in New Delhi have started analyzing the political effects of the resignation of Mr. Sanjay Singh and large number of party leaders from the home state of the Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi. They term it as “serious blow to Mr. Gandhi”. They feel that the process of erosion has already taken its toll. The political’ pundits who have the insight of political crisis of the Prime Minister are sending clear signals that Rajiv Gandhi may not be able to maintain power hungry flock of Congressmen together bevond October. 1987.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 28, 1987
