Not Rahul, but BJP anti-national: Congress hits back with PM Modi’s old remarks

New Delhi (India), March 17, 2023: The ongoing political debate over Rahul Gandhi’s alleged insult to Indian democracy has intensified, with the Congress party coming out in support of its leader.

In response to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief JP Nadda’s statement calling Rahul Gandhi “anti-national,” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge defended Gandhi’s patriotism and dedication to the country’s freedom struggle. Kharge took to Twitter to state that those who have no contribution to India’s freedom movement are the real anti-nationals, and Gandhi is a true patriot who talks about and is concerned about democracy.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also joined in the defense of Rahul Gandhi, calling the demand for an apology from him “nonsense.” Tharoor highlighted the precarious state of democracy in India and asserted that Gandhi did not say anything for which he should apologize.

Rahul Gandhi, who was in Parliament on Friday, refused to comment on JP Nadda’s remark, reiterating that speaking in Parliament is his primary responsibility as a parliamentarian.

The Congress party has accused the BJP of attacking Gandhi to divert attention from critical issues such as unemployment, rising prices, and alleged corruption involving Adani.

Congress leader Kharge called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to first apologize for his previous statement on foreign soil that people in India consider being born in the country a sin. Kharge questioned whether someone who made such a statement could be calling others anti-national. The controversy continues to be a matter of intense debate in political circles.