‘Here, I Won’t Be Asked To Speak Against Muslims’: Ex-BJP Spokesperson Nighat Abbas Joins Congress Ahead Of Delhi Polls

In a boost to Congress party in Delhi ahead of Assembly polls, several prominent figures joined the grand old party in presence of All India Congress Committee (AICC) media and publicity department head Pawan Khera and Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee president Akhilesh Prasad Singh at AICC headquarteres in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Among them were Bhagirath Manjhi, a social worker and son of the legendary Mountain Man Dashrath Manjhi; Manoj Prajapati, State President of the Akhil Bharatiya Prajapati Kumbhar Sangh in Bihar; Nishant Anand, former National Spokesperson of AAP; Ali Anwar Ansari, National President of the All India Pasmanda Muslim Society and former MP; Padma Shri Dr. Jagdish Prasad, a renowned heart surgeon; Nikhat Abbas, former National Spokesperson of the BJP; and Frank Huzoor, a famous author.

Addressing the media at the Congress headquarters, Abbas stated, "Today, many people have joined the Congress party, and this sends a very strong message for the country." She emphasised that the BJP's slogan of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas" (Together with all, Development for all, Trust of all) rings hollow, as the party continues to engage in divisive politics.

Abbas accused the BJP of promoting a culture of fear and extremism, stating, "It does not suit the BJP at all to engage in divisive politics of 'Bantenge to Katenge' (If we divide, we will cut). What was being done was instigating one community, creating a situation where people would provoke and fight. This is what the BJP has done across the country."

Expressing her alignment with the Congress's vision, Abbas said, "I am moving forward with the Congress's vision that 'Sath Rahenge to Mazboot Rahenge' (If we stay together, we will remain strong). The Congress has always had a tradition of taking every section of society along and moving forward." She praised the Congress for its commitment to equality and its fight for the rights of all communities, regardless of caste or religion.

Abbas also took a dig at the BJP's opulent style of functioning, contrasting it with the Congress's grounded approach. "This is my first time visiting the Congress party office. It feels like a party office, but the BJP's office feels like a '5-star office.' This is despite the fact that the Congress has been in power in the country for a longer period. It is clear that the BJP has indulged in corruption," she remarked.

Highlighting the fear and insecurity faced by Muslims under the BJP regime, Abbas said, "Today, a Muslim walking on the street feels afraid, and this is the reason why I left the BJP and joined the Congress." She expressed relief that, unlike in the BJP, she would not be pressured to speak against Muslims to gain popularity. "I am happy that here, unlike in the BJP, I won’t be told before TV debates to speak against Muslims just to go viral," she added.