Rahul Gandhi Criticizes BJP, Emphasizes India's Diversity

Rahul Gandhi, during his US visit, criticized BJP and RSS for promoting a singular ideology. He highlighted India's diverse cultural fabric and noted the 'union of states' as core to its identity, stressing that all traditions and languages are equally important.

In a speech targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi emphasized India's diverse heritage. Gandhi remarked that the ruling party fails to grasp that the nation belongs to everyone equally, and criticized their Nagpur-centered ideology.

Speaking to the Indian diaspora in Herndon, Virginia, Gandhi illustrated India's diversity using a metaphorical food plate, suggesting that no single dish—representing states and traditions—can be deemed superior. He said, 'If someone sits in front of Thali and says chawal (rice) is more important than Dal (pulses) and sabji (vegetable) is the least important, then what will happen? That's what BJP does.'

He accused the RSS of deeming certain communities and languages inferior, stating, 'The RSS is saying that Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, Manipuri—are all inferior languages.' Gandhi questioned the kind of nation India will become, suggesting that BJP's policies undermine the country's pluralistic constitution. His US tour, which included stops in Dallas and Washington DC, aimed to connect with the Indian diaspora, which he called a 'vital bridge' between the US and India.

(With inputs from agencies.)