In a bold statement during his visit to Virginia, USA, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking to the Indian diaspora in Herndon, Gandhi declared that the fear once associated with Modis leadership had evaporated following the 2024 Lok Sabha election results.Gandhi noted that the BJP and Modi had cultivated so much fear among small businesses and others through the use of government agencies. However, he claimed, “Something has changed after the elections. Some people said, Darr nahi lagta ab, dar nikal gaya ab (We are not afraid anymore, the fear is gone now). It is interesting to me that the BJP and PM Modi spread so much fear... but it vanished within seconds,” according to ANI reports.#WATCH | Herndon, Virginia, USA: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, ...BJP dont understand that this country is of everyone...India is a union. In the Constitution, it is written clearly... India that is Bharat is a union state, histories, tradition music and… pic.twitter.com/AuV3wuKO3H— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2024He went further to describe Modis persona as no longer intimidating, saying, “The idea of Mr Modi, 56-inch chest, direct connection with God, thats all gone now, its all history.”Calls for unity and criticism of BJPs ideologyRahul Gandhi also criticized the BJP for misunderstanding Indias identity, stating, “The BJP doesnt understand that this country is for everyone... India is a union. In the Constitution, it is written clearly... India that is Bharat is a union of states, histories, tradition, music, and dance. They (BJP) say it is not a union, it is different.”Gandhis remarks came after he met with students at Georgetown University and participated in a series of engagements with the Indian-American community.BJPs response: A Black Spot in Indian democracyWhile the BJP has yet to officially respond to Gandhis comments in Virginia, they were quick to criticize his earlier statements in Texas. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia launched a sharp attack, labeling Gandhi a “black spot in Indian democracy.” Bhatia accused Gandhi of trying to undermine the country abroad, referring to a controversial memorandum of understanding between the Congress and the Chinese Communist Party.Bhatia also dismissed Gandhi as an immature and part-time leader and criticized his stance on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), furthering the divide between the political rivals.
