New Delhi, Sep 28 (PTI) The Congress has intensified its criticism of the BJP-RSS following inflammatory remarks by a former ABVP leader targeting Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of plotting to suppress the Opposition Leader. The party expressed alarm over a "chilling and heinous" threat to Gandhi by Printu Mahadev, previously of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the RSS's student wing.
Congress media chief Pawan Khera stated, "A BJP spokesperson went on television saying 'Rahul Gandhi will be shot in the chest,' but no action has resulted." He highlighted a leaked CRPF letter concerning Gandhi's security addressed to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, questioning why his safety is being politicized. "This reeks of conspiracy," Khera remarked.
He accused those losing the ideological debate of plotting this scheme. According to Khera, these individuals cannot combat ideas with counter-ideas, leading them from verbal abuse to threats of violence against Gandhi. Referring to allegations of "vote theft" made by Gandhi against the BJP, Khera added, "Your theft has been caught, and you know your era is ending."
The Congress vowed to prevent such forces from resorting to violence, with Khera emphasizing that the nation recognizes those behind the plot. Khera wrote on X, "Each time the RSS cannot counter Indian ideology, their followers resort to violence. Akin to Godse's attack on Gandhi, now as the BJP loses ideological ground, their spokespeople and leaders threaten Rahul Gandhi's life."
He described this as an effort to stifle the voices of India's marginalized groups. Khera insisted on exposing the conspiracy against Gandhi. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal had earlier addressed a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Mahadev's televised remarks, demanding swift action to avoid being seen as condoning violence.
According to Venugopal, Mahadev, acting as a BJP spokesperson during a Malayalam channel debate, stated "Rahul Gandhi will be shot in the chest," which Venugopal labeled a deliberate threat, endangering Gandhi's life and violating constitutional and legal standards.
He urged Amit Shah to clarify his and the government's position on such intimidation, warning against ignoring the implications of this dangerous rhetoric. Venugopal argued that a threat against Gandhi represents an attack on the democratic ideals he embodies. He urged for urgent legal action to ensure swift and impactful justice.
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