Allegations of Systematic Undermining
New Delhi, Oct 25 — BJP spokesperson N.V. Subhash on Sunday accused Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of attempting to undermine India's constitutional institutions during his recent foreign visits. Speaking in New Delhi, Subhash, who is the grandson of former Prime Minister Late P.V. Narasimha Rao, alleged that a systematic effort was being made to weaken the country's constitutional framework, judiciary, and electoral processes.
The accusations come ahead of upcoming Assembly elections in several states. Subhash stated that Gandhi’s public statements and overseas trips were part of a broader strategy rather than standard opposition criticism of the ruling government.
Targeting Institutions Over Government Policy
Subhash criticized Gandhi for focusing on structural institutions rather than policy differences with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Whenever he visits foreign countries, something happens to his whole ecosystem," Subhash said. He argued that while an opposition leader can systematically criticize the Narendra Modi government, Gandhi instead targets the Constitution, the Election Commission, the system, and the judiciary.
The BJP spokesperson claimed that Gandhi uses these international platforms to provoke specific sections of the Indian population upon his return. Subhash alleged that Gandhi goes abroad, "makes people suffer," and then returns to India to discuss unrelated topics designed to stir communal and social sentiments for political survival.
Preparation for Electoral Defeats
The allegations included claims that Gandhi is laying the groundwork for anticipated Congress party losses in the upcoming polls. Subhash accused Gandhi of preparing excuses for potential defeats by questioning electoral mechanisms, specifically Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
According to Subhash, Gandhi is establishing a narrative that any future losses would be attributed to "SIR," EVMs, or seat distribution issues rather than voter choice. The BJP leader demanded that Gandhi behave like a responsible opposition leader and uphold the standards set by previous Congress opposition leaders.
Context of Upcoming Political Events
Subhash made these remarks while referencing the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc's scheduled rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. He predicted that Gandhi would lose elections one by one in the upcoming polls across five state Assemblies.
The spokesperson cited instances where Gandhi allegedly rubbed the wrong side of the shoulder regarding Sikh sentiments and minority sections, suggesting these actions were calculated moves to address sensitive communal issues for political gain.
Demands for Responsible Opposition
Subhash emphasized that the current approach of the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition deviates from established norms. He urged Gandhi to cease what he described as attacks on democratic institutions and instead focus on constructive criticism of the government's performance.
The report, citing IANS, detailed Subhash’s assertion that the Congress leader’s strategy involves raking up sensitive social sentiments rather than engaging in substantive policy debates. The BJP spokesperson maintained that such tactics are detrimental to the country's constitutional integrity ahead of critical electoral events.