The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his recent comments on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his statements on 'devtas' during his visit to the United States. Union Minister Giriraj Singh led the charge, accusing Gandhi of praising anti-India elements and defaming the country on foreign soil.

In a sharp response to Gandhi's remarks about the RSS, Singh stated, "Rahul Gandhi, who was stalled by the country with just 99 seats, instead of praising the country, is talking against it. He is singing songs of praise for anti-India enemies like China. He should have cases of anti-nationalism registered against him for praising China." Singh went on to say that to understand the RSS, "Rahul Gandhi will have to take multiple lives and call his grandmother." He added, "RSS is a representative of the country's culture, which Rahul Gandhi will never understand. His sole purpose is to defame India on a global platform. He should be in jail for insulting the country."

Singh further intensified his criticism by sharing an old photograph of Congress leaders signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s Communist Party. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, "China does not need a brand ambassador in its bad times, because Rahul Gandhi has become its biggest ambassador. At the same time, India does not need to oppose Pakistan or China, because Rahul Gandhi is doing their work also."

Singh also mocked Gandhi, stating, "If there is any technology to go to his grandmother and ask her about the role of RSS, then go and ask or look in the pages of history. To know about RSS, Rahul Gandhi will have to take many births. A traitor cannot know RSS. Those who go abroad and criticise the country cannot know RSS." He accused Gandhi of defaming India on foreign platforms, adding, "Rahul Gandhi will not be able to understand RSS in this birth. RSS is born from the values and culture of India."

Singh also emphasised that the country had rejected Congress under Gandhi’s leadership multiple times, saying, "The people of the country rejected Congress for the third time under the leadership of 'Yuvraj' Rahul Gandhi." He contrasted India's progress under Prime Minister Modi, highlighting achievements like "Make in India" and export growth, saying, "Instead of praising India, he is going abroad and abusing India and praising China. It seems like he is thriving on China's money."

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on 'devtas' during his US visit also drew strong reactions. He explained that in Indian culture, "Devta actually means a person whose internal feelings are exactly the same as his external expression, meaning he is a completely transparent being. It does not mean god."

In response, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Gandhi of insulting Hinduism on a global platform. Poonawalla said, "Can Rahul speak such words for another religion? He can't. He is the same Rahul Gandhi who has said that Hindus are violent. He has rejected the idea of Bhagwan Ram and now gives a statement on Hindu devtas."

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also joined the criticism, particularly targeting Gandhi’s remarks on unemployment. "Rahul Gandhi does not know reality. By referring to China, he has once again told the nation how much he loves China. If the leader of the opposition gives irresponsible statements like this, then the public will surely give them an answer," Khandelwal stated. He credited PM Modi for creating new employment opportunities, contrasting it with Congress’s rule.

Rahul Gandhi’s comments on India's employment scenario and criticism of the RSS as believing in a "singular idea of India" have provoked sharp responses from the BJP, with the party standing firm against his remarks.

Image source: Mathrubhumi English