Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Congress party, continued his critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by claiming that the “fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi” has dissipated following the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Fear of Modi Disappears Post-Election
Speaking at an Indian diaspora event in Herndon, Virginia, Gandhi alleged that the BJP and Modi had instilled widespread fear through the misuse of government agencies against small businesses, but this fear vanished almost immediately after the elections. “It is interesting to me that the BJP and PM Modi spread so much fear and the pressure of agencies on small businesses, but everything vanished within seconds. It took years for them to spread this fear and vanished within seconds,” Gandhi said.
Modi’s Image and Parliament Presence
Gandhi also took aim at Modi’s public image, suggesting that the grandeur surrounding the Prime Minister, including his reputed strong connection with the divine, has now faded. “In Parliament, I see the Prime Minister right up front and I can tell you that the idea of Mr Modi, 56-inch chest, direct connection with God, that’s all gone now, it’s all history now,” Gandhi remarked.
Congress Leader’s US Visit
During his visit to the United States, Gandhi also engaged with students at Georgetown University before attending the diaspora event. He is scheduled to be in Washington for two days before returning to Delhi.
BJP’s Response: Allegations of Weakening Democracy
The BJP has not officially responded to Gandhi’s latest criticisms, but it has previously labeled him as a “black spot” on Indian democracy. Gaurav Bhatia, a national spokesperson for the BJP, accused Gandhi of undermining Indian democracy with his statements abroad. Bhatia also alleged that Gandhi’s comments align with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Congress and the Chinese Communist Party during UPA rule. “Rahul Gandhi is an immature and part-time leader. I feel sad to say that Rahul Gandhi is a black spot in Indian democracy. He does not even know what to talk about when he visits a foreign country,” Bhatia stated.
Gandhi on Gender Roles and Ideological Differences
At the same event, Gandhi criticized the BJP and RSS’s stance on women’s roles and the idea of India. He claimed, “The BJP and the RSS believe that women should be restricted to a particular role. They should stay at home, they should cook the food, they should not talk too much and we believe that women should aspire to whatever they want to do.” Gandhi contrasted this with his belief that India is a “multiplicity of ideas,” in opposition to the RSS’s view of India as a singular concept.