BJP equals Rahul Gandhi’s remarks against PM Modi in US as an insult to nation

New Delhi: The US trip of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his remarks targeting the Narendra Modi-led government has once again enraged the BJP, prompting them to launch a scathing attack on him, equating the critics of the Modi government with insulting the country.

BJP leaders accused Gandhi of consistently insulting the country during his foreign trips, suggesting that he lacks respect for India and undermines its progress.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur, who was captured on camera calling for the shooting down of 'traitors,' which was understood to refer to the people protesting against the Citizenship Act, has labelled Rahul Gandhi's criticism of PM Modi in the US as an insult to the nation.

Thakur highlighted Gandhi's reference to India as a union of states rather than a unified nation, as well as his questioning of India's progress. Thakur questioned Gandhi's motives for his foreign visits, suggesting that mud-slinging has become his only purpose.

During a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Santa Clara, California, Rahul Gandhi made remarks criticizing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP, alleging that they control all instruments of politics in India.

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi humorously suggested that if seated next to God, Modi would try to explain the universe to Him, leaving God confused about His own creation.

In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi dismissed Gandhi as a "fake Gandhi" and someone who claims expertise on everything despite having little knowledge. Joshi mocked Gandhi's lack of historical understanding, stating that his knowledge of history does not extend beyond his family. Joshi further criticized Gandhi's lack of experience beyond family affairs, ridiculing his aspirations to lead India's warfare.

Minister Joshi emphasized that India's core lies in its cultinsulture, asserting that, unlike Gandhi, Indians are proud of their history and capable of defending their geography. He accused Gandhi of tarnishing the country's image on foreign soil, while Indians cherish their heritage.

The BJP had previously criticized Gandhi's remarks during his visit to the UK earlier in the year, accusing him of insulting the country. The controversy surrounding his statements resulted in stalled sessions in Parliament.

Minister Thakur also accused Gandhi of being unable to accept the praise that Prime Minister Modi received during his recent three-nation tour. Thakur highlighted Modi's meetings with numerous world leaders and the positive response to India's progress. He mentioned the compliments from the Prime Ministers of Australia and Italy, suggesting that Gandhi could not digest such admiration.

Referring to Gandhi's mention of atrocities against Dalits and backward classes, Thakur pointed out that those incidents occurred during the Congress party's reign in the 1980s. He argued that Gandhi's intention was to portray a negative image of the past, disregarding the progress made since then, such as India's current status as the world's fifth-largest economy.

Thakur concluded by stating that Gandhi's insults towards India, its people, and its essence (Bhartiyata) would not be accepted by the nation.