Gurugram : A political controversy unfolded at the ‘Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas’ programme in Gurugram on Friday when Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh openly expressed his displeasure over not being invited to the event despite being the local Member of Parliament.
Addressing the gathering from the stage, Rao questioned the organisers and BJP National General Secretary Nitin Navin, asking whether it was appropriate for him to attend a programme held in his parliamentary constituency when he had allegedly not been invited.
“If the Member of Parliament of the constituency cannot be invited to such a programme, then was it appropriate for me to come here?” Rao asked. Drawing comparisons with other districts, he said that had a similar event been organised in Panipat or Karnal, local MPs such as Sanjay Bhatia or senior BJP leader Manohar Lal Khattar would certainly have been invited.
The Union Minister further remarked that if the programme had not been associated with the BJP, he would not have been invited at all. He also claimed that his name was not mentioned during the speeches delivered at the event.
Questions Organisers’ Intentions
Rao Inderjit Singh alleged that those who organised the event did not consider him their own despite the fact that he had been elected multiple times with the support of the people of Gurugram.
“I have sought votes from the people six times, and they have sent me to Parliament. The question is why those who organised this programme do not consider us their own,” he said.
He also expressed concern that local residents were not adequately involved in the event and stated that he had objections to the manner in which it was organised.
Remarks on Punjabi Community and Haryana’s Contribution
Referring to the Punjabi community that migrated during Partition, Rao said Haryana had warmly welcomed those displaced by the tragedy of 1947. He noted that a large number of Partition victims settled in Haryana and contributed significantly to the state’s development.
Highlighting Haryana’s inclusive political culture, Rao pointed out that the state had elected leaders from different communities and had even produced two Army Chiefs. He urged people not to view politics solely through the lens of regional or community identity.
Addressing members of the Punjabi community present at the event, he said, “A clap requires both hands,” suggesting that mutual respect and cooperation were essential in public life.
Invitation Row Sparks Debate
While the invitation letter reportedly issued by Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh included Rao Inderjit Singh’s name, the Union Minister maintained that he had not been formally invited to the programme. His remarks triggered discussions in political circles about coordination and protocol within the ruling party.
The event was attended by former Haryana Chief Minister and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana BJP President Dr. Archana Gupta, and several other leaders and dignitaries.
Nitin Navin Targets Congress
Speaking at the programme, BJP leader Nitin Navin launched a sharp attack on the Congress, alleging that the country’s Partition was carried out for political power by the Nehru family.
“The Nehru family divided the country for power. Even today, their mindset has not changed. Earlier they divided the nation; now they are trying to divide society,” Navin said.
He questioned whether Congress leaders had ever apologised to those who suffered during Partition and claimed that the party had deliberately avoided discussing the issue because it would expose historical truths.
The remarks by both leaders turned the commemorative event into a significant political talking point, with Rao Inderjit Singh’s public criticism drawing considerable attention within Haryana’s political landscape.