In a candid interaction at Georgetown University, Washington DC, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made headlines by expressing that he doesn’t harbor any hatred toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite their differing viewpoints.
“You will be surprised, but I don’t actually hate Mr Modi. He has got a point of view, I don’t agree with his point of view, but I don’t hate him,” Gandhi said during his ongoing three-day visit to the United States.
LIVE: Interaction with Students | University of Texas | Dallas, USA https://t.co/b4dofNsEle
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 8, 2024
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, further elaborated on his position: “In fact, in many moments, I empathise with him. It’s not that I think he is my enemy. He’s got a different point of view, I have got a different point of view. I have empathy and compassion for what he is doing. And I think that’s a much better place to be in instead of him versus me. I don’t think that’s productive.”
These remarks have sparked reactions across the political spectrum, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launching sharp criticism, accusing Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting India while abroad. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia labeled Gandhi a “black spot on Indian democracy,” asserting that the Congress leader’s speeches weaken India’s global standing.
Watch: Interaction with Indian Diaspora | Dallas, Texas, USA https://t.co/1CpDoOMlYT
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 9, 2024
Gandhi’s Broader Critique of BJP and RSS
During his US visit, Rahul Gandhi addressed several key issues, including his long-standing opposition to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), BJP’s ideological parent. Speaking in Texas, Gandhi argued that the RSS and Congress have fundamentally different visions of India: “RSS believes India is one idea, while Congress considers it a multiplicity of ideas. That is the fight.”
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He also highlighted societal issues, particularly the low participation of women in India’s workforce. He attributed this to the prevailing attitudes of Indian men, many of whom, he said, held regressive views on gender roles.
Gandhi claimed this attitude reflects an ideological divide between the BJP and the Opposition. “BJP/RSS believe that women should be restricted to a particular role…we believe women should be allowed to aspire to whatever they want to do,” he added.
Rahul Gandhi on Employment and Global Production
Addressing India’s unemployment challenges, Gandhi compared the country’s situation to China’s robust industrial growth. He pointed out that while India and the West face employment issues, countries like China and Vietnam do not. “The West, America, Europe, and India have given up on the idea of production and handed it to China. The act of production creates jobs. What we do is organise consumption,” Gandhi said.
BJP’s Sharp Response
BJP leaders were quick to respond to Gandhi’s remarks. Gaurav Bhatia criticized the Congress leader for not speaking against China, accusing him of weakening India’s democracy. Bhatia also claimed that a party-to-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Congress and China during the UPA government, a topic he challenged Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to address publicly.
In defence, Kharge asserted that Rahul Gandhi has never defamed India: “He has never defamed India and will never do so, this is our promise. BJP people need an excuse, and they raise such issues all the time.”
As Rahul Gandhi continues his engagements in the US, his remarks reflect his broader approach to governance and the ideological clash between his party and the ruling BJP. His statements are set to fuel further political discourse back in India, especially as both parties prepare for upcoming elections.
