Rahul Gandhi Criticizes BJP and RSS Over Attack on Congress Office in Gujarat

Historical Context: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have long been influential in Indian politics, particularly in promoting Hindu nationalist ideologies. The Congress Party, historically led by the Nehru-Gandhi family, has often been at ideological odds with the BJP and RSS. Gujarat, a significant state in Indian politics, has been a stronghold for the BJP, especially since Narendra Modi, a prominent BJP leader, served as its Chief Minister before becoming the Prime Minister of India.

News Article: NEW DELHI: On Wednesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) following an attack on the Gujarat Congress office. Gandhi asserted that this act of violence reinforces his views about the BJP and its affiliates.

In a social media post on X, Gandhi stated, “The cowardly and violent attack on the Gujarat Congress office further strengthens my point about the BJP and the Sangh Parivar.” He further criticized the BJP, claiming that its members, who propagate violence and hatred, fail to grasp the fundamental principles of Hinduism.

Gandhi expressed confidence that the people of Gujarat would deliver a decisive verdict against the BJP in the upcoming state elections. “The people of Gujarat can clearly see through their lies and will teach the BJP government a decisive lesson,” he said. “I am saying it again - INDIA is going to win in Gujarat!” he added, referring to the opposition alliance.

The remarks came a day after a violent clash between BJP and Congress workers outside the Congress headquarters in Ahmedabad. The confrontation occurred during a protest against alleged “anti-Hindu” remarks made by Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. While the BJP accused Congress workers of attacking a “peaceful protest,” opposition leaders blamed BJP cadres for initiating the violence.

The controversy escalated on Monday night when members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal entered the Gujarat Congress headquarters. Protestors defaced Rahul Gandhi’s posters by pasting stickers and spraying black paint. Although the main premises were locked, they tore party banners and defaced photos of Rahul Gandhi near the main entrance of the building.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Rahul Gandhi criticized BJP and RSS following an attack on the Gujarat Congress office.
• Gandhi claimed the violence reinforces his views about BJP and its affiliates.
• He accused BJP members of spreading violence and misunderstanding Hinduism’s principles.
• Gandhi expressed confidence that the people of Gujarat would vote against BJP in the upcoming state elections.
• The remarks followed a violent clash between BJP and Congress workers in Ahmedabad.
• The clash was related to alleged “anti-Hindu” remarks made by Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha.
• Members of VHP and Bajrang Dal defaced Rahul Gandhi’s posters and Congress banners at the Gujarat Congress headquarters.