Rahul Gandhi invokes Mahabharat, accuses PM Modi, five others of trapping India in 'Chakravyuh'

New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government on Mon, accusing them of ensnaring India in a modern-day ‘chakravyuh’—a complex trap, drawing parallels to the ancient Hindu epic Mahabharata. He alleged that this trap, symbolized by the Lotus, was orchestrated by six key figures led by PM Modi, leading to loud protests in Parliament.

Rahul Gandhi evokes Kurukshetra

"Thousands of years ago, in Kurukshetra, six people trapped Abhimanyu in a 'chakravyuh' and killed him. I did some research and learned that 'chakravyuh' is also known as 'padmavyuh', meaning 'Lotus formation'. The 'chakravyuh' is in the shape of a Lotus," Gandhi remarked during a debate on the recent Union Budget. He equated the fate of Abhimanyu to the current situation in India, stating, "What was done with Abhimanyu, is now being done with India - with the youth, farmers, women, and small and medium businesses."

Names six people

Gandhi pinpointed six individuals at the heart of this 'chakravyuh': Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and industrialists Ambani and Adani. Under pressure from Speaker Om Birla, Gandhi agreed to omit some names but maintained his stance on the core issue.

Criticism of economic, political structures

Gandhi accused the government of fostering a monopoly on capital, concentrating wealth in the hands of a few. He criticized the role of institutions like the CBI, ED, and IT Department in perpetuating this 'chakravyuh', asserting, "These three, together, are at the heart of the 'chakravyuh' and have devastated this country."

LIVE: LoP Lok Sabha Shri @RahulGandhi speaks on the Union Budget for 2024-25 https://t.co/vRR2q8DUX9

— Congress (@INCIndia) July 29, 2024

What did he say on the Agniveer scheme?

Highlighting issues faced by the youth, Gandhi pointed to the Agniveer scheme, emphasizing the lack of pension provisions in the Budget for Agniveers. He declared, "The 'chakravyuh' that you have built is harming crores of people. We are going to break down this 'chakravyuh'."

Call for caste census, guaranteed MSP

Gandhi championed the cause of a caste census, asserting that the INDI Alliance would pass guaranteed legal MSP and a caste census in the House, regardless of opposition.

An atmosphere of fear

Gandhi also alleged that an atmosphere of fear pervades India, affecting every aspect of life, including within the BJP itself. He criticized the Union Budget for failing to address 'tax terrorism' and accused it of bolstering monopoly businesses at the expense of democratic structures.

Rahul Gandhi's fiery speech in Parliament highlighted his concerns about the direction in which India is headed under PM Modi’s leadership, calling for significant changes to dismantle the alleged 'chakravyuh' trapping the nation.