Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on RSS spark BJP fury: Hardeep Puri suggests ‘Mental Stability Check’

PTC Web Desk: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s remarks targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP during the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters, ‘Indira Gandhi Bhawan,’ in Delhi have ignited a fierce political exchange. Senior BJP leaders, including Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Nirmala Sitharaman, strongly condemned Rahul Gandhi’s statements, accusing him of undermining democratic institutions and disrespecting the Constitution.

During his speech, Rahul Gandhi criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for his controversial statement suggesting that India’s Independence Day should be celebrated on the date of the Ram Temple’s consecration rather than on August 15. Rahul Gandhi termed Bhagwat’s comments as “treasonous,” claiming they revealed the RSS's intentions to alter India's democratic fabric. “We are not just fighting the BJP or RSS ideology; we are fighting the Indian State itself,” he said, describing this battle as essential to preserving democracy.

In response, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, suggesting he needed a “mental stability check.” Speaking to reporters, Hardeep Singh Puri said, “Such statements are reflective of a lack of understanding and seriousness, and they deserve no place in political discourse.”

BJP president JP Nadda flayed Rahul Gandhi for allegedly aligning with forces seeking to destabilise India. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nadda accused Rahul Gandhi of exposing Congress’ “ugly truth” and working in tandem with “urban Naxals and the deep state” to divide the country. He remarked sarcastically, “I ‘compliment’ Rahul Gandhi for stating outright what the nation already knows – he is fighting the Indian state itself!”

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also weighed in, challenging Rahul Gandhi’s role as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. “Rahul Gandhi, who took an oath on the Constitution, is now claiming to fight the Indian state. Then why carry a copy of the Constitution at all?” Sitharaman questioned.

Adding to the chorus, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared a video clip of Rahul Gandhi’s speech, accusing him of following the “playbook of George Soros” to destabilise India. “Rahul Gandhi has declared an open war against the Indian state itself,” Malviya wrote.

In his speech, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP-led Central Government, under the influence of the RSS, sought to create a “secretive society” controlled by a single individual, effectively silencing dissent. He accused the ruling party of disregarding the Constitution, the national flag, and the values of democracy.

“The Congress is the only alternative to this regime. We are the ones standing against the systematic attacks on individuals in this room and across the country. These assaults are aimed at forcing people to surrender to the BJP and RSS,” he stated.