Anand Sharma said he has been "vilified and humiliated" after dedicating his entire life to the party after resigning from the "steering committee" of the Congress's Himachal Pradesh branch today and sparking a crisis in the state branch.
In an interview with NDTV, Mr. Sharma said, "I am not saying I am the only one... We all have challenges. I have had issues over the years where I could have withdrawn: Of a challenged autistic son". "I gave up my profession, I gave up my life. I don't need to be vilified. I am deeply hurt and humiliated. I am sorry," he added, his voice breaking.
When asked if he intended to leave the party, he responded:, "Never. I'm making this absolutely clear... There's nobody in the Congress who can question Ghulam Nabi Azad, me and some of others who have given our lives to the party".
"What is this canard being spread? To raise issues in the party for internal reforms and collective decision-making leadership -- is it a crime? That has been the tradition and history of the Indian National Congress," he added. "Intriguers and interlopers cannot make such absurd comments about us". Speaking of how the G-23 leaders, who demanded significant organisational changes in an explosive letter to Sonia Gandhi two years ago, have been treated, he said: "We are the builders of this Congress. We are co-owners, we are not tenants or slaves… When we raise certain issues, why are we being condemned?"
Speaking of the most recent "humiliation," Mr. Sharma gave an explanation of his decision to resign from his position on the Himachal Pradesh steering committee.