'Should Never Be Taken Back in Congress': Jairam Ramesh Opposes Return of Leaders Who Joined BJP
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday asserted that party members who defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-particularly younger leaders-should be barred from returning to the party fold.
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Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday asserted that party members who defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-particularly younger leaders-should be barred from returning to the party fold. In an interview with PTI Videos, Ramesh expressed strong disapproval of the idea of welcoming former members back into the Indian National Congress. He stated that it would be "shameful for us" to even contemplate their return. However, the Congress General Secretary in charge of communications clarified that these remarks reflect his personal opinion rather than an official party policy. Jairam Ramesh Lauds SC Order on 'right to Walk', Says Right to Vote Should Be Declared Fundamental Right.
Ramesh’s comments highlight internal party sentiments regarding high-profile exits over the past few years. The Congress has seen several prominent young faces and seasoned leaders migrate to the ruling BJP, a trend that has frequently drawn sharp criticism from the opposition's loyalists. According to Ramesh, re-admitting individuals who left the party to join its primary political adversary would compromise the party's ideological stance and morale. Great Nicobar Project: Jairam Ramesh Seeks Details of Maximum Private Shareholding, Bidding Process for Transhipment Port at Galathea Bay.
While Ramesh holds a key organizational role within the Congress leadership, he explicitly decoupled his statements from the party’s formal decision-making structure. By identifying the stance as his personal view, Ramesh left room for the official party apparatus to determine its own future strategy regarding potential returnees. The Congress leadership has historically maintained a case-by-case approach to leaders wishing to return, making Ramesh's absolute stance a notable point of discussion within political circles.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2026 12:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
