new delhi, May 20
The political war of words between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress intensified on Wednesday after senior BJP leader and national president Nitin Nabin sharply criticised Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Nabin termed Rahul Gandhi’s comments “deeply unfortunate” and accused the Congress leader of displaying what he described as an “anarchic mindset” through his statements. He said the remarks were against the spirit of democratic discourse and political decorum that have traditionally shaped Indian politics. “I believe that in the context of Indian politics where propriety and social harmony are intertwined with the mutual respect accorded to one another, his statement is truly regrettable,” Nabin said while reacting strongly to Gandhi’s comments made during an interaction with Congress workers in Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli.
The BJP leader further alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s repeated electoral setbacks and political frustration were now becoming visible in his public conduct and speeches. According to him, the Congress leader’s statements reflected desperation arising from continuous defeats in elections.
“Continuous electoral defeats and the ensuing frustration are now manifesting in his temperament and character. It is this very desperation and despondency that are driving him to make such statements today,” Nabin said.
Defending the Narendra Modi-led government, Nabin questioned Gandhi’s use of the term “traitor” for the Prime Minister, Home Minister and the RSS. He said the BJP government had worked towards strengthening the country’s internal security and enhancing India’s image globally. “Is the eradication of Naxalism an act of treason? Is safeguarding this country’s territory an act of treason? Is elevating the global prestige of India’s Tricolour an act of treason?” he asked. The controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi, while addressing party workers in Rae Bareli on Wednesday, urged Congress supporters to directly confront RSS workers and challenge them politically. Gandhi accused the RSS, Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah of working against the Constitution and key national leaders associated with India’s freedom movement and democratic values.
“When you go back home, when these RSS workers come to you, they will talk about Narendra Modi, they will talk about Amit Shah. You look them in the face and say, ‘Your Prime Minister is a traitor, your home minister is a traitor, your organisation is a traitor,’” Rahul Gandhi told Congress workers during the gathering.
The Congress leader further alleged that the BJP and RSS had weakened constitutional institutions and undermined the ideals of social justice and equality. Referring to Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, Rahul claimed that the ruling dispensation had attacked the values represented by them.
“You have worked to sell out India. You have attacked our organisation, our Constitution, BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi. Tell them this,” Rahul Gandhi said while addressing supporters. The remarks triggered sharp reactions from BJP leaders across the country, with several leaders accusing the Congress MP of using divisive and inflammatory language. BJP leaders said such statements could deepen political hostility and disturb social harmony.
The BJP has repeatedly accused Rahul Gandhi of making irresponsible remarks against constitutional institutions and nationalist organisations, while the Congress has maintained that it is raising its voice against what it calls attacks on democracy and the Constitution under the current government.
