Amidst the political fervour gearing up for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, a former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Patiala Dr Dharamvira Gandhi on Monday made a significant political leap by joining the Congress party. The formal induction ceremony took place in the presence of senior party leaders at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.

Dr Gandhi, aged 72 and a distinguished medical professional, brings with him a wealth of experience and a reputation for principled politics. His decision to align with the Congress just ahead of the impending elections is expected to give a much-needed push to the Congress party in Punjab which was on the lookout of a suitable face after its sitting MP Preneet Kaur joined the saffron brigade.

Having emerged victorious as an AAP candidate in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Dr Gandhi triumphed over veteran politician Preneet Kaur from the Patiala constituency. However, his journey took a different trajectory when he parted ways with the AAP in 2016, subsequently founding the Nawan Punjab Party. Now, with the merger of his party into the Congress fold, Dr Gandhi is poised to contest once again, this time under the Congress banner for the Patiala seat.

The political maneuvering in Punjab has taken an intriguing turn with Dr Gandhi's decision, especially considering the candidature of Preneet Kaur, who has been nominated as the BJP’s candidate for the Patiala Lok Sabha constituency.

Welcoming Dr Gandhi into the Congress ranks were party leaders including Pawan Khera, state party affairs in-charge Devendra Yadav, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, and Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Pratap Singh Bajwa, among others.

Bajwa, also the Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha, expressed confidence in Dr Gandhi's inclusion, emphasizing that it augurs well for not just the Congress but also for the broader pro-democracy forces in the country. Bajwa highlighted Dr Gandhi's unwavering commitment to democratic values, citing his participation in Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra as a testament to his dedication to the cause.

“We express our gratitude to Dr Gandhi for his decision to be a part of the Congress family. He is a venerable and senior figure in the political landscape. Throughout his life, he has worked towards helping the people of Punjab through his social services like providing free healthcare services to those in need. His inclusion is a significant stride, imperative in our collective endeavour to safeguard the interests of the nation. In confronting the authoritarian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, individuals of Dr Gandhi's stature are invaluable assets in our pursuit of upholding democratic values. His decision to join us underscores a commitment to a cause greater than partisan interests,” said Warring.

Dr Gandhi, in his address, articulated the gravity of the forthcoming elections, characterizing them as pivotal for the future of Indian democracy. He underscored the imperative of countering authoritarian tendencies and safeguarding democratic principles, citing Congress as the bulwark against such encroachments. Dr Gandhi's decision to join the Congress aligned with his vision for an inclusive India and his resolve to combat divisive agendas.

“It is incumbent upon me to align with a party that embodies the ideals necessary for safeguarding the nation's interests, particularly amidst the forthcoming 2024 elections. My association with the Congress, albeit indirect, was manifest during my participation in Bharat Jodo Yatra across Kanyakumari, Punjab, and Kashmir. This reinvigorated incarnation of the Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi ji epitomizes integrity and represents a departure from the stagnation of yesteryears,” he said, further adding that his decision to join the Congress “stems from a conviction to be on the right side of history, particularly in countering the forces of saffronization”.

“The Congress doesn’t need me, I need the Congress because I want to fight for the nation. In this critical juncture, I firmly believe that the Congress possesses the requisite potency, both at the regional and national levels, to counter the BJP's divisive agenda,” he said.