New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stirred a political storm with his statement that his party is fighting not only the BJP and RSS but also the Indian state itself. Speaking at the inauguration of the Congress’s new headquarters, ‘Indira Bhawan,’ in New Delhi, Gandhi accused the ruling party of capturing institutions and undermining democracy.
In his speech, Gandhi declared, “This is not a fair fight. If you believe we are merely opposing the BJP and RSS as political organizations, you misunderstand the reality. They have taken control of every institution in this country. We are now battling the BJP, the RSS, and the Indian state itself.”
The remark drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused Gandhi of undermining national unity. BJP president J.P. Nadda alleged that Gandhi’s statements align with forces that seek to destabilize India. “Rahul Gandhi has openly admitted that his fight is against the Indian state. This exposes the Congress’s ugly truth—its consistent efforts to divide society and weaken India,” Nadda said.
Hidden no more, Congress’ ugly truth now stands exposed by their own leader.
I ‘compliment’ Mr. Rahul Gandhi for saying clearly what the nation knows- that he is fighting the Indian state!
It is not a secret that Mr. Gandhi and his ecosystem have close links with Urban Naxals…
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) January 15, 2025
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also criticized Gandhi’s comments, questioning how a leader sworn in under the Constitution could make such remarks. “If the Congress is fighting the Indian state, what does that say about their commitment to the Constitution?” she asked.
The LoP, who was sworn in by taking oath on the Constitution, is now saying, “We are now fighting the BJP, the RSS and the Indian State itself.”
So, @INCIndia and @RahulGandhi, what for are you carrying a copy of the constitution in your hand? https://t.co/pi3hNpoDWZ
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) January 15, 2025
During his address, Gandhi also targeted RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, accusing him of making treasonous statements. Referring to Bhagwat’s claim that India gained “true independence” only after the Ram temple consecration, Gandhi said, “This is an insult to every Indian and to our freedom fighters who sacrificed for independence in 1947. Such remarks would be considered treason in any other country.”
Gandhi argued that the BJP and RSS have systematically dismantled democratic institutions, using investigative agencies to silence opposition leaders. He also raised concerns about electoral fairness, claiming irregularities in voter lists during elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge joined the criticism, warning that remarks like Bhagwat’s could provoke widespread unrest. “Statements undermining the freedom movement and the Constitution are not just irresponsible—they are dangerous,” Kharge said.
Rahul Gandhi positioned the Congress as the only ideological alternative to the BJP and RSS, emphasizing the party’s historical commitment to the Constitution. “We are fighting a civilizational battle to defend the ideas this country was built on. Only the Congress has the ideological foundation to stand up to these forces,” he asserted.
The BJP, however, dismissed these claims as baseless and accused Gandhi of aligning with divisive forces. “His words and actions consistently aim to demean and defame India,” Nadda stated.
The remarks have added fuel to the already heated political discourse, setting the stage for a fierce battle between the Congress and BJP in the lead-up to the next elections.
