The Congress party escalated its criticism of the BJP-RSS on Monday, accusing them of orchestrating a conspiracy to silence Rahul Gandhi. This statement follows controversial remarks from Printu Mahadev, a former leader of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), who allegedly issued a chilling death threat against the Leader of Opposition during a televised debate.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera highlighted the seriousness of Mahadev’s comments during a press conference. He stated, “A BJP spokesperson said on TV that ‘Rahul Gandhi will be shot in the chest’ and no action has been taken.” The Congress claims that this inaction reflects a deliberate attempt to intimidate opposition voices.
Khera continued, accusing the BJP of politicizing the security issues surrounding Rahul Gandhi. “Before this, the CRPF wrote a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge regarding Rahul Gandhi’s safety and subsequently leaked it. Why politicize his safety in this manner?”
This situation, according to Khera, represents a conspiracy from those who are unable to win ideological battles through conversation. He expressed concern that rather than engaging in political discourse, the BJP and their affiliates are resorting to threats and intimidation against those who dare to challenge them.
“They are the same people losing the ideological battle, lacking the intellectual ammunition to confront alternative ideas,” Khera remarked. He asserted that the Congress party remains committed to confronting violence with resolve and will not allow such tactics to stand unchallenged. “You cannot deny the growing support Rahul Gandhi is receiving from people across the country,” he added.
In a direct criticism of Mahadev’s statements, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding immediate action against the former ABVP leader. Venugopal categorically stated that failure to act would amount to complicity in endorsing violence against the opposition.
“Mr. Mahadev’s declarations are not mere slips of the tongue but calculated threats against one of India’s foremost political leaders,” Venugopal noted. “Such language threatens not only Gandhi’s life but also undermines the rule of law that protects every citizen.”
Venugopal further emphasized the need for a statement from the BJP regarding their stance on threats made by their affiliates, urging the ruling party to reject intimidation as a political strategy. “Do you support the politics of violence? The nation deserves to know,” he asked.
In a further escalation, he warned that the absence of immediate legal action would be viewed as a green light for violence against the opposition. Venugopal described the death threat as an attack not just on an individual but on the democratic values that Rahul Gandhi embodies.
“This is not just a petty threat; it signifies a troubling trend towards a toxic political atmosphere aimed at silencing dissent,” Venugopal stated. “The people of India demand accountability and justice for threats against democratic leaders.”
The Congress party continues to mobilize support around this issue, presenting it as a pivotal moment for the protection of democratic discourse in India. As tensions rise, the party calls for swift action by the state police to ensure justice is both visible and effective.
