Threatened nation's security: Amit Shah declares BJP's commitment to reservations amid Rahul Gandhi's criticism

Today, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a vigorous critique against Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, regarding his recent comments made during his visit to the United States. The offensive included prominent figures such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who condemned Gandhi’s remarks on reservations and national security.

Amit Shah's Sharp Rebuttal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly aligning with entities that seek to undermine national unity. In a statement on X, Shah asserted, "It has become a habit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party to support forces that divide the nation. Whether it’s endorsing anti-national agendas in Jammu and Kashmir or making derogatory comments abroad, Rahul Gandhi has persistently jeopardised national security and sentiments." Shah further criticised Gandhi’s stance on reservations, asserting that it exposed Congress’s divisive political agenda. “His remarks on abolishing reservations reflect the Congress's persistent opposition to such policies,” Shah added.

Congress's Constitutional Integrity Questioned

Gandhi’s comments came during an interaction at Georgetown University, where he suggested that the consideration to scrap reservations would only be warranted if India were a fair place. In response, BJP leaders have labelled his campaign to preserve the Constitution as disingenuous, revealing an inherent bias against reservation policies. Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticised Gandhi’s legacy, noting that previous Congress prime ministers also opposed caste-based reservations.

Standing with forces that conspire to divide the country and making anti-national statements have become a habit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. Whether it is supporting the JKNC's anti-national and anti-reservation agenda in J&K or making anti-India statements on…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 11, 2024

Political Repercussions and Electoral Strategy

The BJP’s counterattack is strategically timed, coinciding with upcoming Assembly elections in critical states like Maharashtra and Jharkhand. The party aims to leverage Gandhi’s comments to depict the Opposition as anti-reservation, potentially swaying voter sentiment.

Rahul Gandhi's Broader Critique

During his U.S. visit, Gandhi also criticised the BJP, asserting that the “fear of BJP” had dissipated post-Lok Sabha results. He framed this as a victory for Indian democracy against what he termed an assault on the Constitution. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia responded, labelling Gandhi as an ineffective leader who lacks the gravitas required for his position, stating, “Rahul Gandhi’s remarks reflect poorly on his understanding and responsibility as the Leader of the Opposition.”