The political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress intensified on Friday over Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, with the ruling party sharply attacking the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda led the BJP’s counterattack, describing it as a “misfortune” for the country that Gandhi occupies the post of Leader of Opposition. Nadda also said it was a matter of “sorrow” for the Congress that Gandhi had emerged as the face of the party.
Several other BJP leaders joined the criticism, accusing the Congress leader of indulging in what they described as “uncultured, undignified and uncivilised politics”.
BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan, speaking to ANI, went a step further and called Gandhi the “biggest liability” in Indian politics. He accused the Congress leader of undermining the dignity of Parliament and said his latest remarks reflected what he termed the “twisted mindset” of the Congress leadership.
Kesavan also questioned Gandhi’s criticism of the Modi government’s foreign policy by invoking the tenure of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
“Why does Rahul Gandhi not start with the foreign policy tenure of Nehru for 17 years, when, as foreign minister, his policy was riddled with fiascos and failures?” Kesavan said. He also questioned why the Gandhi family had not returned 51 cartons of Nehru’s letters, referring to a long-standing political controversy over the former prime minister’s correspondence.
The Congress, however, rejected the BJP’s criticism and defended Gandhi’s remarks as part of his responsibility as Leader of the Opposition.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said Gandhi had merely questioned the manner in which Prime Minister Modi conducts himself and interacts with foreign leaders during overseas visits. Tiwari also invoked “Operation Sindoor”, arguing that Gandhi had raised questions about India’s diplomatic position during the episode.
Gandhi made the remarks while addressing the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention in Delhi on Thursday. Taking a swipe at the Modi government’s foreign policy, he said it largely revolved around “hugging” foreign leaders and alleged that the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) lacked an understanding of India.
During the event, Gandhi hugged Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit to illustrate his description of the government’s approach to foreign policy. Dikshit then jokingly asked whether Gandhi had mistaken him for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, drawing laughter from the gathering.
Gandhi also reiterated his attack on the government over the handling of student protests at Jantar Mantar. He said students wanted to express themselves but were allegedly told that the government wanted “order” and would not allow such expression.
According to Gandhi, the political philosophy of the BJP and RSS was aimed at imposing an order on the country that benefited them and certain sections of society.
He further vowed that the Congress would continue to target the government and said the party would not allow Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to “sleep” until they resigned.
The latest exchange reflects the widening political divide between the BJP and Congress, with foreign policy, protests and the conduct of the government emerging as fresh points of confrontation. The BJP has sought to portray Gandhi’s remarks as an attack on India’s foreign policy and parliamentary dignity, while the Congress maintains that the Leader of the Opposition is performing his constitutional role by questioning the government.
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