The Congress today was relentless in its efforts to discredit former union minister Jayanthi Natarajan, who quit the party with a strong attack on Vice President Rahul Gandhi.
"It is an 'image bacchao andolan' (image-saving mission) by her, said Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi. "Not has she once orally or in writing articulated these thoughts. They are hypocritical and opportunistic," he added.
He also alleged that Ms Natarajan's claims which erupted publicly just before Delhi votes suggest a deeper political conspiracy. Mr Singhvi said his former colleague appeared to be acting at the behest of "new political masters who may have got evidence against her". He was referencing reports that some decisions taken by Ms Natarajan as Environment Minister may be investigated by the CBI.
Ms Natarajan, who was with the Congress for more than 30 years, said she had outlined these concerns in a detailed note to Mrs Gandhi in November but received no response.
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