Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi over his comments about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during Gandhi’s recent visit to the United States. Singh’s criticism, delivered on Monday, touched upon Gandhi’s alleged lack of understanding regarding the RSS’s role in Indian history and culture. Referring to Rahul’s late grandmother, Indira Gandhi, Singh sarcastically suggested that the Congress leader should consult her to understand the organization’s significance in India.
Background of the Attack
The verbal volley stemmed from Rahul Gandhi’s speeches during his U.S. tour, where he met with members of the Indian diaspora. During these addresses, Gandhi criticized the RSS, alleging that the organization promotes a narrow, singular view of India’s identity. He contrasted this with his vision of a more inclusive India, underlined by Congress’s pluralistic approach.
In one of his talks, Rahul Gandhi described the RSS as an organization that seeks to impose its ideology on India’s diversity, and suggested that this posed a threat to the nation’s constitutional values. These remarks, however, did not sit well with BJP leaders, especially Giriraj Singh, who has long been a staunch defender of the RSS.
Giriraj Singh’s Response
Reacting strongly, Singh dismissed Gandhi’s criticisms by reminding him of his family history. Singh pointed out that Indira Gandhi, a former Prime Minister of India, had taken a different view on the RSS during her time. He asserted that Rahul Gandhi should seek his grandmother’s insights to better understand the RSS’s contributions, particularly during critical moments in Indian history, such as the 1971 war and other national crises. Singh’s comments were both an attempt to discredit Rahul’s allegations and to highlight his own belief that the Congress leader lacks historical perspective.
In addition to this historical angle, Singh also accused Rahul Gandhi of failing to understand the cultural depth and moral foundations of the RSS. According to Singh, Gandhi’s criticisms reflect a profound disconnect from India’s grassroots values and ethos. He argued that the RSS has been a protector of India’s cultural identity, while Congress, under Gandhi’s leadership, is out of touch with the masses.
“Multiple Lifetimes” Remark
One of Singh’s most biting comments was his assertion that Rahul Gandhi would need “multiple lifetimes” to grasp the ethos of the RSS. This remark sought to diminish Gandhi’s political and intellectual capability to critique the organization effectively. Singh insinuated that Gandhi’s limited experience and understanding of India’s socio-cultural landscape disqualified him from making judgments on such deep-rooted institutions.
Congress’s Electoral Defeats
Singh also used the occasion to remind Gandhi of Congress’s repeated electoral losses, both in general elections and various state assembly polls, under his leadership. He suggested that the Indian electorate has consistently rejected Gandhi’s vision and leadership, further weakening his credibility in attacking a powerful institution like the RSS.
Singh underscored that the BJP and RSS’s values have consistently resonated with the Indian public, as evidenced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated electoral successes. He framed Rahul Gandhi’s comments as a reflection of frustration from a leader whose party has struggled to connect with the public.
Accusations of “Defaming India Abroad”
Another aspect of Singh’s attack involved Rahul Gandhi’s tendency to criticize the Indian government on international platforms. Singh accused the Congress leader of defaming India during his foreign visits, arguing that such statements tarnish the country’s image on the global stage. In Singh’s view, Gandhi’s criticism of institutions like the RSS and the Modi government while abroad is not just politically motivated but also potentially damaging to India’s reputation.
This is not the first time Giriraj Singh has accused Rahul Gandhi of spreading negativity about India during overseas visits. Several BJP leaders have previously made similar remarks, accusing Gandhi of being unpatriotic for airing domestic grievances on international platforms.
Conclusion
Giriraj Singh’s scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi serves as another example of the ongoing ideological battle between the BJP and Congress. While Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the RSS during his U.S. visit was aimed at portraying the organization as an entity threatening India’s diversity, Singh’s rebuttal highlighted Gandhi’s supposed lack of understanding and historical perspective. The exchange reflects the deep polarization in Indian politics, particularly around organizations like the RSS, which continue to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s socio-political landscape.
For more details, you can read the full article on Hindustan Times.
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