Hyderabad: BJP state unit spokesperson N.V. Subash on Monday criticized Congress Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of turning the position into a laughing stock. Subash slammed Gandhi for allegedly creating controversy over the burial arrangements for former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh while leaving for Vietnam to celebrate New Year.
“If this is not an insult to his own party leader—when the entire nation is observing week-long mourning—then what else is it?” he questioned. Subash claimed that the Congress party and its leadership had consistently disrespected a leader of Dr. Singh’s international stature as an economist, using him as a mere ‘pawn’ in politics.
To support his argument, Subash cited an incident where Rahul Gandhi publicly tore an ordinance approved by Dr. Singh’s cabinet, which aimed to prevent people with criminal charges from contesting elections. The incident took place during a hastily arranged press conference at the Press Club of India.
Additionally, Subash questioned whether the Congress leadership ever truly respected Dr. Singh and his Sikh community. He argued that they should have issued a public apology for the 1984 Delhi riots, during which hundreds of Sikhs were brutally killed. He further criticized the Congress for failing to apologize during Dr. Singh’s tenure for the army’s entry into the Golden Temple, a sacred site for Sikhs.
“Now, Rahul Gandhi, holding a significant constitutional position, leaves the country for New Year celebrations. This clearly shows their lack of respect for one of their own party’s tallest leaders,” Subash said. He also criticized Gandhi’s close associates, such as K.R. Venugopal, for justifying the decision to travel abroad during a period of national mourning.
