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The BJP has launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha of tarnishing India’s image during his recent visit to Germany. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Gandhi for what he termed as “maligning” the nation while abroad, dubbing him the “Leader of Propaganda.”
During a press conference at BJP headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday, Poonawalla claimed that making disparaging remarks about India on foreign soil has become a pattern for the Congress leader. “INC is not Indian National Congress, but it has become Anti-National Congress while LoP has become Leader of Propaganda,” Poonawalla stated.
The BJP’s criticism follows Gandhi’s interaction at Hertie School in Berlin on Monday, where he renewed his “vote chori” (vote theft) allegations against the ruling party. During the interaction, Gandhi claimed, “There is a full-scale assault taking place on the institutional framework of our country. There are serious flaws in the country’s electoral procedure.”
This is not the first time the ruling party has criticized Gandhi for his statements during international visits. The BJP has consistently accused the Congress leader of undermining India’s democratic credentials while speaking to foreign audiences, a charge the opposition has denied, maintaining that they are merely highlighting legitimate concerns about the country’s democratic health.
Poonawalla also highlighted what he described as “differences” within the Gandhi family regarding Prime Ministerial ambitions. The spokesperson suggested that Rahul Gandhi lacks support from within his own party and from Congress allies, pointing to recent developments that have fueled speculation about leadership rivalries within the Gandhi family.
These remarks came after Congress MP Imran Masood publicly advocated for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the party’s potential Prime Ministerial candidate. Adding to the controversy, Robert Vadra, Priyanka Gandhi’s husband, made statements that appeared to acknowledge these calls without directly opposing them.
“Everyone has their own demands. There are demands from various quarters that Priyanka should come forward. There are also demands that I should enter politics. But right now, the focus should be on the real issues that concern the people of the country,” Vadra told reporters after Masood’s comments.
The timing of these developments is significant as it comes amid preparations for upcoming state elections and growing speculation about opposition strategies for the next general election. Political analysts suggest that any perceived divisions within the Gandhi family could impact Congress’s electoral prospects and its ability to present a united front against the BJP.
The BJP spokesperson further criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly predicting that “India will fail under the current leadership” and that “people of the country will fight each other.” Responding to these purported statements, Poonawalla accused the Congress and its INDIA bloc allies of making “incendiary attempts to divide the nation on religious, linguistic and demographical lines.”
“It was Revanth Reddy who said that Bihar’s DNA is inferior to Telangana’s DNA, it was DMK as well as Congress leaders who said that Sanatan Dharma is a malaise and should be erased,” Poonawalla claimed, accusing the opposition of employing a “divide and rule” policy.
The exchange represents the ongoing bitter political rivalry between India’s two largest parties, with the BJP consistently portraying Congress as being against national interests, while the opposition continues to question the government’s democratic credentials. Political observers note that such heated rhetoric is likely to intensify as the country moves closer to the next electoral cycle.
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6 Comments
This seems like a political tug-of-war between the BJP and Congress. While it’s understandable for the ruling party to defend India’s image, I wonder if there are indeed issues with the electoral process that need to be addressed constructively.
Allegations of defaming the country abroad are serious, but the BJP’s response seems rather heavy-handed. Perhaps a more nuanced discussion on institutional reforms could yield better results than partisan attacks.
I agree, a balanced and fact-based dialogue is needed here instead of political point-scoring. Both sides should focus on improving democratic processes for the benefit of all Indians.
This sounds like a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. I hope the BJP and Congress can find a way to have a constructive discussion and address any problems with India’s electoral system in a transparent manner.
As an observer, I’d like to see more evidence and less rhetoric from both sides. India’s global reputation is important, but so is maintaining the integrity of its elections and institutions.
The BJP’s reaction seems a bit defensive. While I understand the desire to protect India’s image, shutting down criticism won’t solve any underlying issues. An open, honest dialogue is needed to strengthen democratic institutions.