The Bharatiya Janata Party launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, alleging a significant erosion of his support base within his own party, among allies, and even his family. The BJP's offensive was triggered by recent comments from CPM MP John Brittas and Congress MP Imran Masood, coupled with a statement from Robert Vadra.
BJP Seizes on Remarks as 'No-Confidence' in Rahul
Robert Vadra's observation that there is countrywide support for the idea of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as Prime Minister provided fresh ammunition for the BJP. The ruling party swiftly labeled these remarks as a clear "show of no-confidence" in Rahul Gandhi's leadership. BJP spokespersons argued that this internal criticism had rattled the Leader of the Opposition, prompting his trip abroad and subsequent venting of frustration.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla addressed a press conference, accusing Rahul Gandhi of making "anti-India" remarks from Germany out of sheer frustration. Poonawalla highlighted CPM MP John Brittas's statement in Parliament, where he pointed out that seasoned DMK MP T R Baalu had questioned Rahul Gandhi's decision to be abroad while crucial parliamentary debates were underway.
Open Fight and Leadership Crisis in Congress
Another BJP spokesperson, Pradeep Bhandhari, declared an "open fight between Rahul and Priyanka camps in Congress." He stated that the internal divide within the grand old party was now out in the open, amounting to "Congress vs Congress."
Poonawalla elaborated that the leadership issue has been simmering for a while. He referenced the recent expulsion of former Odisha MLA Mohammed Moquim for his veiled criticism of Rahul Gandhi and his push for a central leadership role for Priyanka Gandhi. Furthermore, he cited Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's praise for development works in Bihar as another indirect slight against Rahul Gandhi's narrative.
BJP Labels LoP as 'Leader of Propaganda'
The BJP functionary asserted that as Rahul Gandhi is becoming "politically dead," the Leader of the Opposition has transformed into a "leader of propaganda." He accused Gandhi of making baseless claims about the Indian economy and democracy being dead. The BJP challenged him to provide concrete proof for his recent allegation that a woman in Haryana voted 200 times.
The BJP's coordinated attack underscores its strategy to keep the spotlight on perceived disarray and leadership challenges within the principal opposition party, turning internal Congress remarks into a major political controversy.
