| In Short |
| · Criticism of BJP and RSS: During his US visit, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and RSS of promoting a conservative agenda, particularly regarding women, claiming they encourage women to “stay at home” |
| · Allegations of Misusing Power: Gandhi claimed that the BJP misuses government agencies to intimidate political opponents and distract the public from pressing issues like unemployment |
| · Shivraj Chouhan’s Rebuttal: In response, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called Gandhi’s remarks “anti-national,” accusing him of tarnishing India’s image abroad |
| · Media Manipulation Allegations: Gandhi criticized the Indian media for promoting a distorted political narrative that favors the BJP, adding that free speech is increasingly under threat |
| · ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’ Campaign: Gandhi highlighted his ‘Shop of Love’ campaign, positioning it as a movement to unite India against the divisive tactics he claims the BJP employs |
The visit of Rahul Gandhi to the US has made him get himself embroiled into a political storm back home in India, with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan terming his remarks “anti-national.” The speeches during his visit came under serious attack from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and its associates, especially for his remarks on the role of RSS and the attitude of the government toward various issues such as women’s rights, democracy, and unemployment.
Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks: Critique of BJP and RSS Policies
Gandhi criticized the BJP for “misusing government agencies” in intimidating people during his trip to India, especially targeting the alleged role of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh for being responsible for the conservative stand of the government. Addressing the Indian diaspora, Gandhi went on to say that the point of view propagated by the ruling dispensation, BJP-RSS, attempts to put women down and wants them to “stay at home”. He further accused the BJP of resorting to religious and symbolic distractions, like installing the Sengol in Parliament, to divert public discourse from crucial issues facing the nation: unemployment and inflation.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Rebuttal: ‘Anti-National’ Allegations
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was extremely critical of the utterances of Rahul Gandhi, saying that these damaged India’s image worldwide. Chouhan said the tour abroad of Gandhi was only to criticize the country and then branded him “anti-national.” The minister believed that probably the remarks by Gandhi may damage India’s standing on the world stage when at this time India had an emerging power image. Chouhan’s remarks came as a reiteration of a view in the BJP, which has consistently accused the Congress leader of using foreign platforms to disparage India’s ruling party.
Democracy and Media Freedom: In defense, according to Gandhi
He also spoke about the suppression of free speech and distortion of media narratives in India, where the media reportedly pushes one political narrative linked to the BJP, distorting the truth to divert attention from real issues. According to him, the Bharat Jodo Yatra is a way to reconnect with the people. Stressing on this point, he said, “All traditional tools of political engagement have been rendered useless under this regime.”.
Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’ Campaign
Gandhi’s US visit also included speeches on his ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’ campaign, which he introduced during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. He described the campaign as one of unity for a country divided by communal tensions. Comparing his way to the likes of spiritual gurus such as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he spoke of love, respect, and inclusivity in his speeches. The Congress leader contended that this BJP governance has roots in fear and divisiveness, while his campaign speaks of affection and humility.
The Ongoing Political Tug-of-War
Rahul Gandhi’s US tour has revived the BJP-Congress political slugfest. The BJP had projected his remarks as harmful to India’s global reputation, while the Congress cadre sees his foreign engagements as an attempt to bring to light some crucial issues back home. The criticism of the RSS and the BJP over women’s rights and freedom of the media by Mr. Gandhi will continue to be a focal point of several political attacks up to the general elections of 2024.
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