Right-wing supporter, Journalist Swathi Chandrashekar joins Congress, appointed spokesperson
Bengaluru: In a recent development, journalist Swathi Chandrashekar, alongside two-time MP Sanganna Karadi and three-time MLA from Belagavi Rural Shivaputra Malagi, officially joined the Congress party on Wednesday. The event took place in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Swathi Chandrashekar, whose Facebook profile identifies her as the Delhi Bureau Head of TV5 News, was also appointed as the spokesperson of the party shortly after her induction.
However, a closer examination of her background and social media activity revealed her previous affiliation as an active supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, indicating her alignment with right-wing ideologies.
Chandrashekar's social media posts have showcased her support for senior BJP leader LK Advani, Prime Minister Modi, and her close association with BJP MP and party’s Yuva Morcha Chief Tejasvi Surya, known for his staunch Hindutva stance.
The appointment of Swathi Chandrashekar as the spokesperson of the Congress party, despite her prior allegiance to the BJP, has sparked debate across local social media platforms. Many users have criticized the party for the decision, questioning the rationale behind appointing someone with a history of supporting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP leaders.
The move has led to discussions regarding the party's strategy and its approach towards accommodating individuals with differing political backgrounds.
The appointment has raised eyebrows, particularly given Chandrashekar's vocal support for the BJP and its ideologies in the past. Critics argued that such appointments may dilute the party's ideological stance and raise questions about its commitment to its core principles.
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People are voting fearlessly in West Bengal this time: PM Modi
Hardoi (UP) (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said voters
are casting their vote in West Bengal this time in a "fearless atmosphere", which was unimaginable in the past six or seven decades.
He also asserted that the assembly poll results on May 4 will further strengthen the resolve of a developed India.
Voting is underway in 142 constituencies of West Bengal in the second and final phase of polling.
Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the Ganga Expressway here, Modi said today marks an important day in the festival of democracy.
"Voting for the second phase is underway in Bengal, and reports indicate a massive turnout, with people stepping out in large numbers just like in the first phase. Images of long queues at polling stations are flooding social media, reflecting the enthusiasm of the people to exercise their democratic right," he said.
"What we are witnessing in Bengal today is unprecedented which was difficult to imagine in the past six to seven decades, a fearless environment where people are voting without fear," he said.
The prime minister said this is a powerful symbol of the country's Constitution and the strengthening of democracy.
"I express my gratitude to the great people of Bengal for being so aware of their rights and participating in large numbers," he said.
With several hours of voting still left, the prime minister urged the people of Bengal to continue participating in this democratic festival with the same enthusiasm.
Modi said in the recent Bihar Assembly elections, the BJP and NDA achieved a historic and decisive victory.
"Just yesterday, results of local body elections in Gujarat showed that the BJP secured victories in nearly 80 to 85 percent of municipalities and panchayats.
"The results on May 4 will further strengthen the resolve of a developed India and will infuse new energy into the pace of development of the country."
The first phase of polling for 152 seats -- out of the 294-member West Bengal assembly -- was held on April 23.
The counting of votes for assembly polls in Kerala, West Bengal, Puducherry, Assam and Tamil Nadu will take place on May 4.
