Fear Vanishesd After Elections: Rahul Slams PM Modi, BJP In Virginia

During his US tour, Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP for spreading fear in India, faced challenges like frozen Congress accounts before elections, emphasised India's unity and diversity, and targeted RSS for undermining linguistic diversity. His engagements aim to connect with the Indian diaspora and discuss political issues.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok and Congress MP, began his US tour by criticising the BJP at a diaspora event in Herndon, Virginia. He accused Prime Minister Modi and the BJP of spreading fear across India, only for it to "vanish within seconds" after the elections. His remarks set the tone for his visit, which includes meetings with students at Georgetown University and other engagements.

Gandhi's speech to the Indian diaspora in Virginia highlighted changes in India's political landscape post-elections. He remarked, "Something has changed after the elections... Some people said 'Dar nahi lagta ab, dar nikal gaya ab'... It is interesting to me that the BJP and PM Modi spread so much fear, and the pressure of agencies on small businesses, everything vanished within seconds." He emphasised how quickly the fear instilled by the ruling party dissipated.

Challenges Faced Before Elections

Reflecting on pre-election challenges, Gandhi shared that Congress's bank accounts were frozen just three months before voting began. "Three months before elections our bank accounts were all sealed... We were discussing that now what to do... I said 'Dekhi Jayegi', let's see what we can do ... and we went into the elections...," he recalled. This highlighted the difficult circumstances faced by his party.

During his speech, Gandhi reiterated India's unity rooted in its Constitution. Criticising BJP's approach to diversity, he stated, "BJP doesn't understand that India is a union of states, histories, traditions, music, and dance." He argued that the ruling party misrepresents India's foundational principles. "In the Constitution, it is written clearly... India that is Bharat is a union state, histories, tradition music and dance... they (BJP) say it is not a union, it is different...," he said.

RSS and India's Linguistic Diversity

Gandhi also targeted Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying their ideology disrespects India's linguistic and cultural diversity. "What the RSS says is that certain states are inferior to other states. Certain languages are inferior to other languages, certain religions are inferior to other religions, and certain communities are inferior to other communities... All the state has its history, tradition... RSS ideology is Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, Manipuri; these are inferior languages... that's what the fight is about... These people (RSS) don't understand India...," he said.

Gandhi's US tour began in Dallas with interactions at the University of Texas. Describing it as "dynamic and engaging," he discussed topics from Indian politics to youth and women's roles in shaping future societies. In his speech to the Indian diaspora there, he emphasised values like love, respect, and humility in politics while highlighting India's rich diversity.

Interaction with Indian Diaspora

Calling the Indian diaspora a "vital bridge" between India and the US, Gandhi underscored maintaining connections between India and global Indians. He expressed optimism for his remaining visit in Washington before returning to Delhi.

Gandhi will stay in Washington for two more days as part of his broader effort to connect with the Indian diaspora and discuss key political issues. His tour aims to strengthen ties between India and its global community while addressing significant political concerns.

The Congress leader's remarks about Prime Minister Modi's image also drew attention. "It took years for them to spread this fear and vanished within seconds... In Parliament, I see the Prime Minister right up front and I can tell you that the idea of Mr Modi—56-inch chest—direct connection with god—that's all gone now; it's all history now..." Gandhi noted.

Throughout his speeches during this tour, Rahul Gandhi consistently highlighted India's unity amidst diversity while critiquing BJP's policies. His focus remained on promoting values such as love and respect within politics while addressing significant challenges faced by his party.

The concluding days of Rahul Gandhi’s visit will likely continue this narrative as he engages further with students at Georgetown University along with other planned activities before heading back home.