The Congress retaliated against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticism of Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of distorting Gandhi's statements to fuel communal tensions while ignoring the atrocities of historical Muslim rulers. Responding to Modi's accusations that Gandhi insulted India's royalty while staying silent on the wrongdoings of Muslim rulers, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh denounced Modi's tactics as manipulative and desperate.
Ramesh, in a post on X, stated, "He maliciously and mischievously twists every statement of Rahul Gandhi to inflame, incite and ignite communal prejudices and passions." Ramesh further commented on Modi's campaign speeches, labeling them as "shameful."
"His exit is inevitable and his realisation of that is making him more and more desperate. His campaign speeches are shameful really," he added.
Modi's remarks came during a large public rally in Belagavi, Karnataka, where he criticised Gandhi's recent statement about India's historical rulers, accusing them of being oppressive.
According to Times Now, the Congress leader had said, "It was the rule of the Kings and the Maharajas, they could do whatever they wanted, if they wanted someone's land they would take it away, the Congress Party and our workers, along with the people of the country, achieved independence, brought democracy and changed the Constitution of the country."
Modi argued that Gandhi's remarks insulted revered figures like Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Kittur Rani Channamma. He also highlighted the contributions of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family, accusing Gandhi of playing divisive politics for votes.
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'Shehzada' Has Given Clean Chit To Nawab, Sultans, And Badshah Who Committed Heinous Crimes: PM Modi
Modi emphasised Gandhi's silence on the atrocities committed by Muslim rulers such as Aurangzeb, who desecrated temples and engaged in religious persecution. He criticised the Congress for forming alliances with parties that praise figures like Aurangzeb and neglecting the memory of those who played a role in India's partition.
"The entire country including Karnataka has a history where Nawab, Sultans and Badshah have committed heinous crimes and tyranny on common people, these Sultans have destructed & looted our temples and pilgrimages, but 'Shehzada' has given them the clean chit and declared our Rajas and Maharajas as tyrants. This attempt of Congress to divide the nation is dangerous," he remarked in another rally held at Uttara Kannada, as quoted by ANI.
In his speech, Modi praised the contributions of figures like the Raja of Banaras and Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, contrasting their positive impact with Gandhi's alleged disrespect towards India's historical rulers.