VHP demands apology from Rahul Gandhi over Bajrang Dal Remarks, weighs legal action

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday, July 29, demanded an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the Bajrang Dal, alleging that he made false accusations against the organisation.

The RSS affiliate said it is also considering legal action against him. The remarks came after Gandhi, during a press conference on Wednesday, July 29, alleged that members of the Bajrang Dal were attacking students who took part in the NEET protest in Delhi and other places.

Taking exception to the allegation, VHP central joint general secretary Surendra Jain said the Bajrang Dal has nothing to do with the incidents referred to by the Congress leader and asserted that people have every right to oppose those who insult the country.

"Today, you also took the name of the Bajrang Dal. If the people of the country stop those who insult the armed forces, abuse Bharat Mata or use offensive language against the nation, where does the Bajrang Dal come into this?" Jain said in a video statement.

The VHP office-bearer said the people of the country will certainly stop those who insult India and speak ill of the country.

"You were wrong to name the Bajrang Dal. You should apologise for this falsehood. We are also considering taking legal action against you," Jain said.

He also alleged that Gandhi has repeatedly made false statements and seeks to mislead the public and the youth.

"Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly been guilty of telling lies. He has lied time and again to tarnish the image of the people and the country. He has also apologised repeatedly. In one case, he has even been convicted and is out on bail, yet he has not learnt his lesson," he alleged.

Referring to Gandhi's speech in the Lok Sabha and his subsequent press conference, Jain alleged that the Congress leader makes "provocative" and "false" statements that lower the dignity of the office of the leader of the opposition (LoP).

VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal accused the Congress and Gandhi of targeting "nationalist organisations" to divert attention from their failures and asked the LoP to stop making "baseless" allegations against the Bajrang Dal.

In a post on X, Bansal claimed that the Congress and Gandhi have become "leaders of liars and anti-national elements" and alleged that the LoP targets nationalist organisations both inside and outside Parliament to distract from his failures.

"Everyone knows that the Bajrang Dal's motto is service, security and values. Its objective is not to intimidate or threaten anyone. Rahul Gandhi should stop insulting patriotic youth and creating false narratives," he said.