The Congress party sharply escalated its attack against the BJP and RSS on Monday, accusing them of orchestrating a conspiracy to silence Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition. This assertion arises after former Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) leader Printu Mahadev made a controversial remark suggesting violence against Gandhi.
In a televised debate, Mahadev ominously stated that ‘Rahul Gandhi will be shot in the chest,’ prompting a strong condemnation from Congress officials. Pawan Khera, head of the party’s media department, described the threats as indicative of a larger conspiracy by those losing the ideological battle against Gandhi.
Khera emphasized, “No action has been taken against Mahadev for his alarming comments. This not only jeopardizes Rahul Gandhi’s safety but also politicizes his security.”
He also pointed out a recent letter from the CRPF regarding Gandhi’s safety, highlighting what he perceives as ongoing attempts to create a hostile environment. Khera remarked, “This stinks of conspiracy, and we demand to know who orchestrates this.”
Frustrations among Congress members stem from Gandhi’s growing popularity, which they attribute to the issues he raises being relevant to citizens from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Khera noted, “The BJP’s theft has been caught, and their time is running out. They are using threats as a last resort to silence dissent.”
The Congress party vowed to resist violence and intimidation, stressing that they will protect Gandhi’s voice against such threats. Khera stated, “The public knows the motives behind these threats and who is driving them.”
In a post on social media platform X, Khera connected the dots between historical violence and the current political milieu, asserting that every time the RSS fails in ideological confrontations, its members resort to threats and intimidation.
Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal raised further concerns about Mahadev’s comments in a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He argued that failure to act on Mahadev’s statements would signify complicity with a culture of violence against Gandhi.
Venugopal characterized Mahadev’s threats as “cold, calculated and chilling,” underscoring the risks they pose not just to Gandhi, but to democratic institutions within the country. “Such assertions undermine the rule of law and erode the basic security assurances owed to every citizen,” he remarked.
The Congress leader demanded immediate action from the government, asserting, “This abusive rhetoric is not merely a careless remark; it reflects a poisonous atmosphere of intimidation that threatens not only Rahul Gandhi but democracy itself.”
“A failure to act decisively will be viewed as endorsing a culture of violence and intimidation in India, continuing the erosion of the ethical fabric of our governance,” Venugopal added.
Urgent and strong legal measures must follow to ensure safety for all citizens, he urged, reiterating that such threats represent a direct affront to the democratic principles upheld by the nation. The Congress party continues to rally support, calling for a united stand against intimidation and violence in political discourse.
