BJP Criticizes Rahul Gandhi Over USCIRF Report Support
BJP's Gaurav Bhatia Critiques Rahul Gandhi
On Wednesday, Gaurav Bhatia, spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly endorsing the latest annual report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). This report recommends imposing restrictions on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). During a press conference in New Delhi, Bhatia stated that once again, Rahul Gandhi has demonstrated that the so-called 'shop of love' he refers to is filled with anti-national sentiments. He emphasized that the public is raising serious questions about Gandhi's stance, suggesting that as a sensible individual, he should reconsider his opposition to India and the implications of his mindset.
Continuing his attack, Bhatia questioned whether Gandhi had taken the time to read the report he supports. He expressed concern over the immaturity displayed by the opposition leader, stating that it is alarming for someone in his position to adopt an anti-India stance. He pointed out that Pakistan trembles at the mention of R&AW and consistently opposes India and its intelligence agency. Bhatia noted that it is troubling that the leader of the opposition appears to align with Pakistan's views against R&AW.
Bhatia referenced a recent post by Congress on X, which called for a ban on the RSS while citing the USCIRF report. He highlighted that the report also recommended restrictions on R&AW, which the BJP claims Gandhi has supported. He deemed this endorsement as deeply concerning. The Congress tweet stated, 'The U.S. should impose a ban on the RSS. This recommendation was made by the official U.S. agency USCIRF to the Trump administration, warning that the RSS poses a threat to people's religious sentiments.'
Rejecting the credibility of the USCIRF report, Bhatia urged Rahul Gandhi to acknowledge the contributions of R&AW instead of supporting such claims. He asserted that a foreign agency lacking credibility should not issue certificates to India. Bhatia questioned why Gandhi would use this report to suggest that democracy in India is in decline, emphasizing that R&AW's reputation is not comparable to Gandhi's. He reminded that R&AW has served the nation since its inception, with countless officials dedicating their lives to the country's interests, many even sacrificing their lives. He asked if Rahul Gandhi, who he referred to as running a 'shop of hatred,' fails to understand this reality.