The Congress party escalated its criticism of the BJP-RSS alliance on Monday, following a controversial remark by former ABVP leader Printu Mahadev. The party indicated that those losing the ideological battle are conspiring to silence Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition.
On a televised debate, Mahadev made a shocking remark, threatening, “Rahul Gandhi will be shot in the chest.” Congress leaders condemned these words as a chilling death threat, further intensifying their attack on the ruling party.
Pawan Khera, head of the Congress media and publicity department, asserted that the BJP has failed to take any action against Mahadev’s comments. He highlighted the severity of the situation by stating, “Before this, the CRPF wrote to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge regarding Rahul Gandhi’s safety, exposing the politicisation of his security.”
Khera questioned the motives of those behind the comments, asserting that they are “losing the ideological battle” and resorting to violence instead. He said, “They tried to silence Rahul Gandhi with abuse and now threaten him with bullets.”
This latest incident comes amid a growing political tension between Congress and the BJP, with the former accusing the latter of attempting to stifle dissenting voices. Khera noted that the allegations of “vote chori” levelled by Rahul Gandhi against the BJP may have struck a chord, as he remarked, “Your theft has been caught red-handed.”
According to Khera, the Congress will not allow any form of violence against its leaders. He declared, “The country is aware of who is hatching the conspiracy and what it is.” His remarks echo a sentiment that Congress leaders believe threatens the foundation of democratic discourse in India.
In a strong statement on X, Khera warned of the escalating pattern of violence as a tactic used to suppress opposition. He drew historical parallels, saying, “Every time the RSS fails to defeat the ideology of India, their foot soldiers resort to physical violence.”
Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal also responded to the threat, emphasizing the ramifications of Mahadev’s statement. He issued a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding swift action against Mahadev’s inflammatory comments. Venugopal described the threat as a calculated attack that endangers Rahul Gandhi and undermines the very tenets of India’s Constitution.
Speaking on the matter, Venugopal stated, “This is not merely a slip of tongue; it is a cold, calculated and chilling death threat.” He stressed that such rhetoric from an official spokesperson of the ruling party not only jeopardizes the safety of Gandhi but also challenges the rule of law in India.
Venugopal implored Shah to clarify the government’s stance on the violence, urging him to condemn these threats explicitly. He remarked, “Do you openly endorse the politics of criminal intimidation? Such poisonous words represent a toxic atmosphere that threatens democratic values.”
Furthermore, he asserted that the nation demands immediate legal action against Mahadev. “The threat against Rahul Gandhi is an attack on the democratic spirit our nation embodies,” Venugopal concluded. He called for a thorough investigation and assured that the Congress party would continue advocating for justice and accountability.
As political rhetoric heats up ahead of the upcoming elections, Congress leaders remain vigilant in defending their position and protecting their leadership. With threats to democratic discourse looming, opposition parties like Congress strive to contest an ideological battle with renewed vigor and resolve.
