We're party soldiers: Ajay Rai reacts after being replaced as UP Congress chief

Ajay Rai has reacted to his removal from the post of Uttar Pradesh Congress president saying the decision is part of the party's process of change and that he accepts it. Rai said his focus remains strengthening the Congress, backing Rahul Gandhi and working towards defeating the BJP in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election.

The Congress has handed the Uttar Pradesh unit's leadership to MLA Aradhana Mishra after removing Rai from the post.

Reacting to the change, Rai said, "This is the party's decision. From time to time, there are changes and transformations."

He added that he was a "soldier of the party" and would continue working for it.

"We are party soldiers. We are working day and night. We are working to strengthen the party and give strength to Rahul Gandhi," Rai said.

He also attacked the BJP over issues including education, healthcare and jobs, saying his party was working on these issues and preparing to form the government in Uttar Pradesh in 2027.

Asked about the reason behind his removal as Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, Rai said he had no issue with the decision and would accept whatever the party leadership decided.

"This is the party's decision and we accept the decision given by the party," he said.

When asked whether he could be given another major responsibility or be brought into the Congress's national leadership, Rai said that would also be decided by the party.

He said he had properly carried out all the responsibilities given to him so far.

"My target is only one, to defeat the BJP and drive Modi out," Rai said.

Rai also responded to questions about newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Aradhana Mishra's reported ties with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and the possibility of her appointment sending a positive message among members of her community in the state.

Rai said Mishra would fulfil the responsibility entrusted to her.

"I would only like to say that the responsibility she has been given, she will fulfil it," he said.

Describing Mishra as "a very sensible and hardworking woman", Rai added that she would have the full support and cooperation of the party.

"She has our full support and cooperation," he said.

Rai also reiterated his intention to contest the election from the Pindra Assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

Asked about his earlier announcement to contest from Pindra, Rai said the constituency was not just a political seat for him but was his "home and family".

"Pindra Assembly is my home and family. My political birth also took place there," he said.

Rai added that his association with Pindra would remain for life and said he would contest the election from the constituency.

"I will remain connected with it till my last breath and will certainly contest from there with full confidence and win," he said.

Rai's remarks came after the change in the leadership of the Uttar Pradesh Congress unit, with Aradhana Mishra taking over the responsibility previously held by him.- EndsWith inputs from Roushan Kumar