Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and Member of Parliament for Wayanad, has openly accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of attempting to dismantle the core fabric of the country. Speaking at a public gathering in Kalpetta on August 12, Gandhi expressed his concerns over the growing divide and violence in Manipur, a northeastern state of India.
Having spent 19 years in politics, Gandhi stated that he had never encountered a situation as dire as he witnessed during his recent visit to Manipur. He recounted two heart-wrenching incidents, where women had lost their loved ones in acts of violence. One woman tragically lost her young child when he was fatally shot before her eyes. Despite her house being burnt down, she held onto a photograph of her child and the clothes he wore, the only remnants of their life together.
Gandhi went on to highlight the widespread nature of such experiences in Manipur, where violence has led to a complete fragmentation of the state’s unity. He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for devoting a mere two minutes to discussing Manipur during his two-and-a-half-hour-long speech in Parliament, emphasizing the gravity of the situation that seemed to be downplayed.
Referring to his own speech in Parliament, Gandhi invoked the essence of India as an embodiment of peace and harmony among its citizens. He contended that any situation involving internal strife, violence, or exploitation is not representative of the true India, which thrives on compassion and unity.
Casting a grim light on the incidents in Manipur, Gandhi accused the BJP of committing the “murder of Bharatmata” and lambasted the party for allegedly eroding the very essence of the nation. He alleged that the BJP-led government had caused irreparable damage to countless families and allowed the abuse and assault of numerous women within Manipur.
Questioning the government’s actions over the past four months in Manipur, Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Modi’s inability to quell the escalating violence, asserting that his actions spoke of a lack of nationalism.
Drawing a parallel to his personal experiences, Gandhi touched on the notion that adversity strengthens relationships, referencing the strengthened bond he shares with the people of Wayanad following his disqualification as an MP.
The public event was organized by the Wayanad District Congress Committee, and Gandhi’s statements resonated with his audience as he underscored his concerns about the prevailing challenges facing Manipur and the broader principles that underpin India’s identity.
The Chenab Times News Desk