The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, alleging that he is in the "complete grip" of the ideological framework of "urban naxals." Former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad leveled these accusations during a press conference, further questioning Gandhi's role in international narratives against Indian interests.
Highlighting a series of controversial remarks made by Gandhi, Prasad cited the Congress leader’s statement that the party is now fighting not just the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), but the "Indian State itself." Prasad countered this by asserting that the Indian State represents the constitutional foundation and identity of India as a free nation.
BJP Defends RSS
Prasad staunchly defended the RSS, describing it as a nationalist organization committed to societal development and the promotion of patriotism. In a direct jab at Gandhi, he urged the Congress leader to introspect on the political trajectory of his party while comparing it to the rise and influence of the RSS and BJP in India.
Hindenburg Research and Rahul Gandhi
Taking a swipe at Gandhi, Prasad referred to the recent announcement by Hindenburg Research to shut down its operations. He sarcastically questioned whether Rahul Gandhi had now taken on the "contract" of the firm's ideological "shop." The US-based short-selling firm, known for its high-profile campaigns against billionaire Gautam Adani, announced its closure just as the Congress inaugurated its new headquarters in New Delhi.
Prasad also suggested that the purported influence of George Soros, who has been linked to funding anti-government narratives, may be waning, particularly with a new administration under President-elect Donald Trump in the United States.
Criticism of AAP’s Excise Policy
Shifting focus to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Prasad criticized the Delhi government’s controversial excise policy, calling it a "black chapter" in Indian politics. He cited Delhi Chief Minister Atishi’s recent remarks favoring the reimplementation of the scrapped policy, which had earlier led to allegations of corruption and the arrest of senior AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
"The AAP’s blind attachment to safeguarding liquor mafia interests is a betrayal of its foundational ideals of morality and transparency," Prasad alleged. He added that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports pointing to irregularities in the excise policy were deliberately concealed by the Delhi government.
Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks at Congress Headquarters Inauguration
The controversy comes on the heels of Gandhi’s speech at the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters, where he accused the BJP and RSS of "capturing every single institution" in the country. The BJP has consistently rejected such claims, asserting that its governance is rooted in democratic principles and constitutional values.
