In an overseas interaction, Rahul Gandhi criticizes the governing party’s actions, emphasizing the need to defend India’s democratic values and unity.
*Paris, – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, once again on foreign soil, launched a sharp critique of the saffron party during an interaction with students and academics in Paris. The 53-year-old Opposition leader accused the governing party of relentlessly seeking power at any cost and challenged the claim that their actions had any connection to Hinduism.
During the discussion, Rahul Gandhi delved into a range of topics, including his ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ (Unite India Journey) and the Opposition alliance’s efforts to safeguard India’s democratic foundations amidst various challenges. He reiterated the Opposition’s commitment to preserving the “soul of India” and expressed confidence that the nation would overcome its present state of “turbulence.”
Responding to a query regarding the rise of “Hindu nationalism” in India, Rahul Gandhi remarked, “I’ve read the ‘Gita’, I’ve read a number of the Upanishads, I’ve read many Hindu books; there is nothing Hindu about what the BJP does, absolutely nothing.”
He continued, “I have not read anywhere, in no Hindu book, from no learned Hindu person have I ever heard that you should terrorize, harm people who are weaker than you. So, this idea, this word, Hindu nationalists, this is a wrong word. They’re not Hindu nationalists. They have nothing to do with Hinduism. They are out to get power at any cost, and they will do anything to get power… They want dominance of a few people, and that is what they are about. There is nothing Hindu about them,” emphasizing the divergence between the party’s actions and Hindu principles.
The former Congress president also cited electoral figures, stating that 60 percent of India had voted for opposition parties, while only 40 percent had voted for the ruling party. He refuted the notion that the majority community overwhelmingly supported the BJP, stating, “So this idea that the majority community is voting for the BJP, this is a wrong idea. The majority community actually votes more for us than they vote for them.”
Addressing the India-Bharat terminology debate, he referred to the Constitution, which defines India as “India that is Bharat, a union of states.” Rahul Gandhi underscored the importance of ensuring that the voices of all citizens within these states are heard, without suppression or intimidation.
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in Paris come amidst ongoing political discussions and debates on these critical issues in India.
