“I Believe In Positive Things”: Naveen Jindal Responds To Congress’ ‘Washing Machine’ Allegations

Chandigarh: Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, former Congress leader Naveen Jindal has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and was announced candidate from Kurukshetra constituency. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity, Jindal marked his shift as a “second innings” and pledged to work towards the vision of ‘Vikasit Bharat’ outlined by PM Modi.

Addressing concerns raised by his former party, Jindal dismissed allegations of being influenced by pressure from investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). “I don’t want to say anything about who talks negatively,” remarked Jindal. “What has been the condition of Congress is due to negative works but I believe in positive things.”

Jairam Ramesh, Congress’ general secretary in charge of communications, took to social media to critique Jindal’s move, likening it to the need for a “giant-size washing machine.” He accused the BJP of creating a “Corrupt-mukt Congress” by allegedly coercing corrupt individuals to switch sides through investigative pressure.

“When you need a giant-size washing machine, this had to happen. And after making ZERO contributions to the party in the last ten years, saying I am resigning from it is a big joke,” Mr Ramesh wrote on X.

When he announced his decision to join BJP, Jindal reflected on his tenure with the Congress, thanking the party leadership and former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for their support during his ten years as MP from Kurukshetra. He officially resigned from the primary membership of the Congress Party as he embraced his new political affiliation.

Jindal’s decision to switch parties comes amidst a backdrop of legal and financial challenges. His company, Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL), faced setbacks following the cancellation of coal blocks allocated by the Supreme Court in 2014. This move, affecting several Indian steel and power companies, contributed to significant debt levels within JSPL, totaling around 50,000 crore rupees.

Recently, the Mumbai police declared a rape case against Jindal’s brother, Sajjan Jindal, as false. The police attributed the false accusations to an attempt to frame the accused, submitting a closure report in the Bandra Metropolitan Magistrate Court earlier this month.