india

Updated: Dec 11, 2018 08:39 IST

The Congress congratulated Rashtriya Lok Samta Party chief Upendra Kushwaha Monday after he resigned from the Union council of ministers and walked out of the BJP-led NDA.

Kushwaha announced his resignation this morning, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi failed to fulfil aspirations of the people and he was “dejected” and “betrayed” by his leadership.

“Congratulations to Kushwaha ji for telling the truth to the power. Let’s build a new Bharat,” Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted.

He said Kushwaha rejected the prime minister and decided to walk out of the NDA as he was distressed by the harassment of farmers, youth, women security and poor by the BJP and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar.

Kushwaha had been targeting the BJP and Kumar, a key ally of the ruling party, for weeks. He said while he has quit the NDA, his other options are open.

Sources said Kushwaha is likely to meet Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and may also attend the opposition meeting slated this evening in the Parliament annexe. The opposition is holding a meeting to forge unity to take on the BJP, a day before the Winter Session of Parliament begins.