BJP Leaders Have Developed a ‘Rahul Gandhi Phobia’: Congress
“Why Doesn’t the Prime Minister Highlight His Own Achievements on International Platforms?” Asks Congress Spokesperson Gopal Dada Tiwari
Pune, October 25: The Congress has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly targeting Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during the NDTV World Summit instead of highlighting India’s achievements and addressing pressing national and international issues.
In a statement, senior Maharashtra Pradesh Congress spokesperson Gopal Dada Tiwari said that the Prime Minister was expected to discuss India’s progress across various sectors, the country’s achievements, and the challenges facing the nation at an international-level summit. However, instead of focusing on these important issues, Modi allegedly devoted a significant part of his speech to criticising Rahul Gandhi and describing him as “unsuccessful and unproductive.”
Tiwari questioned whether such remarks were appropriate for a person holding the country’s highest executive office, arguing that repeatedly targeting the Opposition leader on an international platform undermines the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office.
“If Rahul Gandhi is truly as unsuccessful and unproductive as the Prime Minister claims, why does the Prime Minister spend valuable time on a global platform criticising the Leader of the Opposition? Why doesn’t he use such an important opportunity to highlight his government’s own achievements and contributions to the nation?” Tiwari asked.
He further remarked that the Prime Minister could have addressed pressing concerns such as domestic and international challenges, allegations against the ruling establishment, inflation, unemployment, and what he described as America’s increasingly assertive approach towards India. Discussing these issues, he said, would have been a more appropriate demonstration of statesmanship and responsibility.
Responding to what he described as Modi’s criticism of the Opposition driven by political hostility, Tiwari also referred to the electoral performance of the Congress and the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
He pointed out that the Congress increased its Lok Sabha tally from 52 seats in 2019 to 99 seats in 2024, while the BJP’s tally declined from 303 seats in 2019 to 240 in 2024. He argued that the electoral outcome reflected a shift in public opinion and questioned the BJP leadership’s willingness to acknowledge the people’s mandate.
Tiwari also criticised the BJP leadership for allegedly overlooking the political realities of the 2024 elections. Referring to the support of allies Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, he said the BJP depended on its coalition partners to form the government after failing to secure a majority on its own.
He further referred to the serious allegations raised during the previous decade concerning central investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), as well as the Election Commission.
Concluding his remarks, Tiwari alleged that the BJP leadership was reluctant to accept the electoral verdict and was more focused on attacking Rahul Gandhi than addressing the concerns of the people. He maintained that the Prime Minister should use prominent national and international platforms to present his government’s achievements, respond to public concerns, and discuss the country’s future rather than repeatedly targeting the Opposition.