Bhopal, Mar 9 (UNI) Former Union Minister and Congress leader Suresh Pachouri, who entered BJP ranks on Saturday along with many supporters, claimed that he was pained by the Congress’ stance vis-à-vis the Ram temple consecration ceremony.

Tribal bigwig and Dhar’s ex-parliamentarian Gajendra Singh Rajukhedi, former legislators Sanjay Shukla, Vishal Patel and the Congress’ ex-Bhopal District President Kailash Mishra also quit the Congress.

They took saffron camp membership at the party’s state office here. Among those present on the occasion were Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, BJP state President Vishnu Datt Sharma, former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, senior Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, and ex-Minister Narottam Mishra.

“The Congress decisions relating to the political and religious spheres make one uncomfortable. It has been the country’s tradition to never question the gallantry of the Army but even that is happening within the Congress,” Pachouri said.

Referring to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the Congress’ ex-state President asked, “Who played a key role in opening the lock of the Ram temple and laying the foundation stone? So why was the invitation to the consecration rejected? I have joined the BJP unconditionally.”
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