CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu BJP has strongly condemned Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his continuous criticism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visits abroad. Gandhi, who is currently on a three-day visit to the United States, launched another attack on the RSS during a speech at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
#WATCH | Herndon, Virginia, USA: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "What the RSS says is that certain states are inferior to other states. Certain languages are inferior to other languages, certain religions are inferior to other religions, and certain communities… pic.twitter.com/IZShUfsm9Q
— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2024
In his remarks, Rahul Gandhi accused the RSS of promoting divisive ideologies, claiming that the organization considers certain states, languages, religions, and communities inferior to others. He argued that the RSS was fostering a narrative that divides the country and its people. “The fight is not about politics. That is superficial. What the RSS is saying is that certain states are inferior to other states. Certain languages are inferior to other languages. Certain religions are inferior to other religions, and certain communities are inferior to other communities,” Gandhi said.
He continued his critique, comparing India to a thali, where everything has equal value, contrasting it with what he described as the BJP’s and RSS’s vision. “As per the BJP, you cannot have two identities. You cannot be an Indian, and at the same time an American. That is what the fight is about… We are saying that don’t spread hatred, spread love. Don’t be arrogant, be humble. Don’t disrespect people, communities, religions, traditions, languages,” Gandhi added.
#WATCH | Herndon, Virginia, USA: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "Something has changed after the elections. Some people said 'Dar nahi lagta ab, dar nikal gaya ab'…It is interesting to me that the BJP and PM Modi spread so much fear, and the pressure of… pic.twitter.com/kyazBfJp2Q
— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2024
In a sharp response, TN BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad refuted Gandhi’s claims, calling them baseless and a continuation of his false propaganda. Prasad emphasized that the RSS has been a key force in shaping India’s unity and strength, promoting the Ekathma Manava Darshan (Integral Humanism) philosophy, which seeks to unite the nation and ensure equal opportunities for all.
“The RSS movement, BJP party, and the Indian people are inseparable. Rahul Gandhi’s continued attacks on the RSS and BJP betray his ignorance of their principles and contributions to nation-building. The RSS tirelessly works towards uniting India and fostering social harmony, especially empowering marginalized communities,” Prasad said.
He also accused Gandhi of using divisive rhetoric for political gain, criticising his failure to engage with the nation-building vision of the RSS. “Gandhi’s divisive rhetoric and refusal to engage with the RSS’s ideology expose his disinterest in genuine nation-building. The RSS envisions a unified India, free from corruption, casteism, and inequality, where everyone has access to resources and opportunities,” Prasad added.
Prasad further criticised Gandhi’s remarks about PM Narendra Modi, dismissing them as desperate attempts to remain relevant. He stated that the Modi government has been instrumental in delivering on its promises, ensuring prosperity for millions of Indians and maintaining India’s global standing. “The idea of PM Modi’s leadership, which Gandhi mocks, is alive and strong in the hearts of Indian citizens, and his achievements speak for themselves.”
He concluded by issuing a clarion call to Rahul Gandhi to join the movement for India’s transformation rather than spreading false narratives. “If Rahul Gandhi truly wants to contribute to the nation, he should stop spreading lies and divisive propaganda and instead engage with the RSS to understand its vision for a unified and prosperous India. This is a call for him to become a genuine leader who builds, not one who tears down.”
Gandhi stated that the fight in India was not about politics but about these underlying issues of inequality and discrimination.
Rahul Gandhi said, “The RSS is saying certain states are inferior to other states. Certain languages are inferior to other languages. Certain religions are inferior to other religions, and certain communities are inferior to other communities.” He also spoke about India’s diversity, comparing it to a thali in which all elements have equal value, a metaphor he contrasted with the BJP’s alleged vision of a homogeneous India.
In response, TN BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad sharply rebuked Gandhi, accusing him of spreading negativity and discord while failing to understand the RSS’s role in building a unified and prosperous India. Prasad called the RSS a movement that promotes inclusivity and social harmony through its Ekathma Manava Darshan (Integral Humanism) philosophy. “The RSS builds a brighter future for all Indians, while Gandhi spreads negativity and discord. His failure to understand the RSS’s selfless service and commitment to India’s progress is appalling,” Prasad stated.
Prasad went further, inviting Rahul Gandhi to engage with the RSS and understand its principles. “It’s time for Gandhi to join hands with the RSS and learn from their inclusive philosophy. Instead of belittling the RSS, he should undergo training and gain a deeper understanding of their principles. Only then can he become a constructive force in Indian politics,” he said, adding that Gandhi’s criticisms would remain baseless and hypocritical until he genuinely understood the RSS’s vision.
The spokesperson also took the opportunity to contrast the Congress party’s history with the BJP’s record, accusing the Congress of corruption and inefficiency during its time in power. “The Congress party’s history is marred by scams and corruption, perpetuated by their leaders across various states. Rahul Gandhi must recall the lakhs of women who suffered due to lack of basic amenities like toilets, nutrition, and medical facilities during Congress rule,” Prasad remarked.
He highlighted the BJP’s work under Narendra Modi’s leadership, emphasizing the improvements in the lives of Indian women, especially in rural areas. “Under BJP’s governance, women have transitioned from cooking on wood stoves to gas stoves, educating their children, and working with dignity, showcasing the BJP’s commitment to empowering women,” he added. Prasad also pointed out how women are now excelling in various fields, including in challenging portfolios like defense, finance, and external affairs, under Modi’s government.
The BJP spokesperson further criticized Gandhi for his repeated international statements against the Indian government, accusing him of trying to defame the country abroad. “Rahul Gandhi and the Congress alliance are attempting to defame India by speaking against the country abroad. But their time is up, and they will be rejected both in India and internationally,” he asserted. Prasad called on India’s youth to remember that the Modi government is dedicated to helping them achieve their dreams and aspirations.
Former TN BJP chief and Telangana Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan also weighed in, criticizing Gandhi for his remarks and highlighting the Congress party’s opposition to tribal women and other female leaders in key roles. “Rahul Gandhi, you have no moral right to criticize the BJP, which has given 33 percent women placement in party posts for over a decade. Your Congress party opposed the nomination of a tribal woman leader as President of India,” she said. Soundararajan also reminded Gandhi that Congress had imposed the Emergency in India, curtailing fundamental rights, while now claiming to preach about constitutional rights during his US trip.
Dr HV Hande too came down heavily on Rahul Gandhi for his anti-RSS and anti-BJP rants.
https://x.com/DrHVHande1/status/1833473574205870354
Rahul Gandhi’s comments during his US visit have also sparked outrage back in India, especially his statements on Telangana and the Sikh community. Addressing an audience in Virginia, he claimed that the ongoing struggle in India was about the basic rights of Sikhs, including the right to wear turbans and other religious symbols. His remarks provoked backlash, with many netizens accusing him of provoking divisive sentiments among different communities.
