Rahul’s remark against PM triggers BJP outrage
Tempers flared between the BJP and the Congress after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi branded Prime Minister Narendra Modi a traitor at an event in Rae Bareli. The BJP denouncing Gandhi’s words cast doubt on his character.
On Wednesday, the Congress leader accused PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the RSS of undermining the Constitution and prioritising the interests of select industrialists over the nation. “You must stand up and protest. When RSS workers come to your homes and mention Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, tell them that their organisation, Modi, and Shah are responsible for actions that have harmed the country and the Constitution, as well as the ideals of Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi,” Gandhi had said, Invoking astrology, BJP president Nitin Nabin dubbed Gandhi the Rahu (Saturn) of Indian politics, accusing him of casting a shadow over the nation’s political climate. He went on to claim that Gandhi is visibly losing his composure, adding that Gandhi’s remarks were an affront to all 140 crore Indians and insisted on a public apology.
“The man who has curbed terror incidents, ended Naxalism, and enhanced the tricolour’s respect-will you use such words for him?” Nabin asked. He warned that past insults to Modi have sparked electoral backlash, urging Gandhi to apologise or face the same fate.
Speaking at a rally Rae Bareli, honouring the legacy of local revolutionary Veera Pasi, Gandhi had accused the prime minister of “attacking the Constitution 24 hours a day” by weakening MNREGA, not conducting a caste census, and favouring select industrialists.
He pointed to the PM’s recent plea for citizens to cut back on fuel, gold, and foreign travel, warning that such appeals signal looming economic trouble. “Inflation will rise sharply in the coming months. Essentials like fuel, gas, and food grains will become costlier, squeezing purchasing power and making daily life harder,” he cautioned.
He warned that shortages of fertiliser and kerosene, vital for farms and homes, could drive up costs for farmers and families alike. Meanwhile, he said, big business groups would weather the storm unscathed. “Today, as petrol prices rise, Ambani is exporting fuel outside India, including oil bought from Russia, while ordinary people pay more domestically. Gandhi argued these exports generate profits for companies that benefit the Government through taxes or partnerships, while citizens bear high costs at home.”
Gandhi suggested the Government may lack effective policies or financial reserves to address an anticipated economic downturn, predicting these challenges will become evident within two to three months. “You will see Modi blaming others on television, as during COVID and demonetisation. The fault lies with Modi, Shah, and RSS for damaging the Constitution,” he said.