Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has launched a fierce attack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha of making anti-India remarks during his visit to the United States. Shinde slammed Gandhi, describing his views as reflective of a "petty mentality" and criticized the Congress leader for allegedly maligning the country on foreign soil.
?Whenever Rahul Gandhi goes abroad, he spews venom against the country. The country can never agree with Rahul Gandhi?s petty views. It has been Congress?s habit to do politics in the name of religion and caste,? Shinde said on Wednesday, making his disapproval clear.
Shinde further accused Gandhi of spreading confusion regarding the reservation system, a sensitive issue in Indian politics. ?Spreading confusion about the Constitution and reservation has become their fashion. Rahul Gandhi?s anti-reservation face has now come before the world. The Mahayuti government fully supports reservation, and as long as I am a true soldier of Shiv Sena, I will never let reservation end,? he asserted, emphasizing the government's commitment to preserving the reservation system.
Shinde?s remarks came on the heels of Union Home Minister Amit Shah?s sharp rebuke of Rahul Gandhi. Shah, in his statement, accused the Congress leader of aligning with forces that conspire to divide the country. He also reiterated that the BJP would never allow the abolition of reservation or anything that threatens national security.
Shah stated, ?It has become a habit for the Congress leader to stand with forces that conspire to divide the country. We won?t let anyone abolish the reservation or hamper the nation?s security.? He further alleged that Gandhi?s statements reflect divisive politics, designed to create societal rifts along caste and religious lines.
The controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi?s remarks during his US visit, where he expressed views on India's reservation system, sparking a backlash from political leaders across party lines. Gandhi had suggested that reservations could be reconsidered once India becomes "a fair place," which critics interpreted as a challenge to the affirmative action policy. Gandhi later issued a clarification, stating he was misquoted and reaffirmed his support for increasing reservations.
Shinde?s criticism, in alignment with Shah's, reinforces the BJP-led government?s stance on safeguarding the reservation system, a key social and political issue in India. As the debate over Gandhi?s comments continues, the political rivalry between Congress and BJP remains as fierce as ever.
