Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, during his visit to the United States, asserted that the fear surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) diminished following the 2024 Lok Sabha election results.
Speaking to members of the Indian community in Dallas, Texas, Gandhi highlighted that after the BJP failed to secure a majority in the elections, the apprehension previously felt by citizens toward the ruling party dissipated.
“One of the immediate effects of the election result was the disappearance of fear associated with the BJP,” said Gandhi. “Almost instantly, people no longer felt intimidated by either the BJP or the Prime Minister of India.”
Rahul Gandhi emphasized that the election outcome was not a personal victory for him or his party, but rather a reflection of the people’s will. He credited the results to a collective stand by the Indian population against what he perceived as efforts by the government to undermine the Constitution and democratic values. “We are resolute in our refusal to accept any attack on our religion or our state,” he added.
Differences in Ideology Between Congress and RSS
During his address, Gandhi also pointed out the ideological contrasts between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP’s ideological parent, and the Congress party. “The RSS promotes the belief that India is one unified idea, while we in the Congress believe that India embodies a multiplicity of ideas,” he explained.
He further elaborated on his inclusive vision for India, where people from all backgrounds, regardless of caste, religion, or language, play an essential role in shaping the nation. According to Rahul Gandhi, the 2024 elections brought this ideological conflict into sharp focus, with millions of Indians recognizing the Prime Minister’s stance as an attack on the Constitution.
“The key realization during the election campaign was that anyone undermining the Constitution is also threatening our religious traditions,” Gandhi noted.
Instilling Values of Love and Respect in Politics
Rahul Gandhi reiterated his commitment to introducing values of love, respect, and humility into Indian politics. He emphasized the need for these principles across all political parties, adding, “It’s not just about respecting the powerful, but ensuring that respect is extended to every individual working towards building India, especially the weakest among us.”
His visit to the US also includes engagements with students at the University of Texas and meetings with American lawmakers. Gandhi’s outreach effort coincides with the upcoming US presidential election in November and assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir.
