Rahul Gandhi Targets Modi’s Twin Planks: Image and Nationalism

On Sunday, Rahul Gandhi, the former President of the Indian National Congress, launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and billionaire Gautam Adani. He accused them of having a “nexus” and causing damage to the country. He compared their actions to the plundering of India by the English East India Company.

Gandhi’s comments came at a time when the Indian government is facing intense criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the farmers’ protest, and the economic slowdown. The opposition party, the Congress, has been accusing the Modi government of being pro-corporate and anti-people.

During his speech, Gandhi targeted Modi’s two major planks- image and nationalism. He claimed that the Prime Minister is more concerned about his image than the welfare of the people. He said, “Modi talks about his image, but what about the people of India? The people are not getting jobs, the farmers are not getting a fair price for their produce, and the youth are struggling to get an education.”

Gandhi also criticized Modi’s nationalism, which has been a major part of his political rhetoric. He said that the Prime Minister is using nationalism as a tool to divert attention from the real issues facing the country. He added, “Modi talks about nationalism, but what about the economy? What about the farmers? What about the youth?”

Gandhi went on to accuse Gautam Adani, one of India’s richest men, of having a “nexus” with Modi. He claimed that the Adani group has been given preferential treatment by the Modi government, resulting in huge profits for the company. He added, “Adani and Modi are one. They have caused damage to the country, just like the East India Company.”

The English East India Company was a British trading company that had a monopoly over trade with India and other parts of Asia in the 18th and 19th centuries. The company was notorious for its exploitation of Indian resources and its role in causing the economic and social decline of India.

Gandhi’s attack on Modi and Adani comes at a time when the Congress is trying to regain its position as a credible opposition party. The party suffered a humiliating defeat in the 2019 general elections, winning only 52 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. The Congress has been struggling to regain its foothold in Indian politics, with many of its leaders leaving the party in recent years.

In conclusion, Rahul Gandhi’s attack on Modi and Adani reflects the growing discontent among the opposition parties and the general public over the government’s handling of the country’s problems. It remains to be seen if the Congress can turn this discontent into electoral gains in the upcoming state elections and the 2024 general elections.