KC Venugopal Defends Rahul Gandhi Amid BJP’s 'Malicious Campaign' Allegations

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal criticized BJP’s attack on Rahul Gandhi, terming it a 'malicious campaign'. This follows Rahul Gandhi’s recent controversial remarks in the US. Venugopal affirmed that the people of India support Rahul Gandhi, dismissing BJP’s attempts to tarnish his image.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal on Tuesday criticized the BJP's attack on Rahul Gandhi, describing it as a 'malicious campaign'. He alleged that the BJP's sole agenda is to target Rahul Gandhi, especially in light of his recent remarks in the US.

Venugopal told reporters, 'They have only one agenda – that is to target Rahul Gandhi. Let them do whatever they want. But the people of Bharat are with Rahul Gandhi. People of the country know about him and also the BJP. This type of malicious campaign against Rahul Gandhi will not succeed.' His comments came in response to questions regarding BJP's harsh reaction to Gandhi's statements during his US visit.

During his visit, Rahul Gandhi stirred controversy by stating that the current battle in India revolves around whether a Sikh person can freely wear religious symbols like the turban and kada, and visit the Gurdwara. He emphasized that the fight transcends politics and concerns fundamental freedoms of all religions in India.

BJP leaders responded vehemently, with BJP MP Anurag Thakur accusing Congress of retaining a divisive mindset inherited from the British. Thakur alleged that Gandhi's foreign trips serve to malign India's image, claiming, 'Whenever Rahul Gandhi goes abroad, he always maligns the country's image. Taking funds from China and opinions from Pakistan would do nothing.' Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also suggested Gandhi aimed to 'defame' India during his US visit.

Amidst his criticisms of the BJP, Rahul Gandhi asserted that the 'fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi' among the people had dissipated following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi, who arrived in Dallas on Sunday, engaged with students and teachers at the University of Texas and addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Dallas and Virginia.

(With inputs from agencies.)