Priyanka Chaturvedi Joins Shiv Sena in Uddhav’s Presence

In her resignation letter to Rahul Gandhi, Chaturvedi said she she was quitting the Congress “with a heavy heart.”

Yuva Sena chief Aditya Thackeray (L) and Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray (R) welcome Priyanka Cahturvedi into the party by tying Shiv Bandhan, at Matoshri in Mumbai, on Friday, 19 April 2019.

(Photo: PTI)

Priyanka Chaturvedi joined the Shiv Sena on Friday, 19 April, soon after quitting from the post of spokesperson in the Congress party.

Announcing her decision at a press conference along with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Chaturvedi said “Mumbai meri janmbhoomi hi nahi, meri karmbhoomi rahi hai. I thank Uddhav ji and his party for their respect. I have joined Shiv Sena to serve Maharashtra.”

Addressing concerns on why she quit the Congress, she said:

“I was sad when people from my own party misbehaved with me, and were then reinstated later. When that happened, I felt when a woman at a great personal cost, associated herself with a party, she is treated this way, it is a reflection of how women are treated in this country. I had to safeguard my self-respect. This is why I quit the Congress.”

‘Did Not Quit Congress Over Denial of LS Ticket’

She further denied that she quit the Congress over not being given a ticket from Mumbai for the Lok Sabha elections. She also rubbished rumours of her displeasure at not being given a ticket from Mathura.

“My parents come from Mathura, I have special memories attached with that place. But I did not quit because I wasn’t given a ticket from there.”

On joining the Shiv Sena, she said: “From a young age, I have had a connect with Shiv Sena. Anyone associated with Maharashtra has a connect with the part. I have not had any sort of ‘change of heart’ regarding the party.”

Why Chaturvedi Quit Congress

Chaturvedi had earlier shared her resignation letter to Rahul Gandhi on Twitter, in which she accused the Congress for promoting safety, dignity and empowerment of women – but not showing women the same respect themselves.

Chaturvedi was referring to the Congress’ decision to reinstate eight of its leaders days after disciplinary proceedings were initiated against them for alleged unruly behaviour with her.

Addressing party President Rahul Gandhi, she wrote: “What saddens me is that despite the safety, dignity, empowerment of women being promoted by the party and has been the call of the party, the same is not reflected in the actions of some members of the party.”

According to Deccan Chronicle, Chaturvedi tendered her resignation late on Thursday night to the party leadership. The Quint reached out to Chaturvedi, but she remained unavailable for a comment.

Twitter Bio Changed

Earlier in the day, Chaturvedi had removed the designation "AICC Spokesperson" from her Twitter bio, triggering speculations of her resignation.

The new bio read: "Columnist. Blogger. Saree Hoarder. Mother. Travel. Books. Music. Tweets personal, RTs not endorsement."

Chaturvedi expressed sadness over 'lumpen goons' getting preference within the party over those who had given "their sweat and blood."

Meanwhile, the letter, which carried the letterhead of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, reportedly stated that disciplinary proceedings were retracted on the recommendation of Jyotiraditya Scindia after these eight people expressed regret over the incident.

The leaders had misbehaved with Chaturvedi at a press conference over the Rafale deal in Mathura. The letter further appealed to the leaders to not engage in acts that would damage the party’s reputation.