NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha witnessed high political drama as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP, taking jabs at its historical narratives, budget transparency, and foreign policy.
From questioning the government’s reluctance to acknowledge Jawaharlal Nehru’s legacy to mocking the absence of photos from the Halwa ceremony and alleging that India sought an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Donald Trump’s inauguration, Gandhi’s remarks triggered sharp rebuttals from the treasury benches, setting off a heated debate in Parliament.
‘You don’t talk about Nehru Ji’
In a fiery speech in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi took direct aim at the ruling BJP, accusing it of selectively invoking historical figures while sidelining India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
“You talk about Sardar Patel ji, but you destroy his values every day. You talk about Ambedkar ji, but you destroy his values every day. You talk about Nehruji… No, you don’t talk about Nehru ji,” Gandhi said, correcting himself mid-sentence and emphasizing his point.
His remark, made in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscored a long-standing critique that the BJP often neglects Nehru’s contributions while reshaping India’s historical discourse. Congress leaders have frequently accused the ruling party of distorting history and undermining the ideals of India’s founding figures.
‘Halwa kisko khilaya?’
Gandhi also took a dig at the Centre over the conspicuous absence of photographs from the customary Halwa ceremony preceding this year’s Union Budget. The Congress leader had previously raised concerns about representation at the event, claiming last year that he “didn’t see one OBC, tribal, or Dalit officer” present.
“Before this year’s budget, there was no photograph. I was appalled that they served the Halwa but didn’t show whom it was served to,” Gandhi remarked sarcastically.
“Halwa khilaya magar dikhaya nahi kisko khilaya (They distributed Halwa but didn’t show to whom it was served),” he added, drawing laughter and jeers from both sides of the House.
Gandhi linked this to his push for a caste census, citing a recent survey conducted in Telangana that, according to him, revealed “shocking” disparities.
“Almost 90% of Telangana’s population comprises Dalits, Adivasis, backwards, or minorities. I am convinced this is the case across the country. The OBC population of this country is not even one less than 55%,” he said, reinforcing Congress’ demand for nationwide caste-based data.
‘America should invite us, not the other way around’
Gandhi also launched a broadside against India’s diplomatic approach, alleging that the government was positioning India as a subordinate power rather than a global leader.
“When we talk to the United States, we should not be sending our foreign minister to invite our Prime Minister to their coronation,” he said, in a pointed reference to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to the US ahead of Donald Trump’s first swearing-in ceremony in 2017.
His comments sparked an uproar in the House, with Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju immediately countering the claim.
“The Leader of Opposition cannot make such serious unsubstantial statements. This is related to the relationship between two countries, and he is making an unverified statement about the Prime Minister’s invitation,” Rijiju said.
Speaker Om Birla intervened, asking Gandhi to either provide evidence or withdraw the claim. The Congress leader, however, chose to respond with a characteristic jibe.
“I apologize for disturbing your peace of mind…” he said, drawing mixed reactions from the treasury benches and opposition ranks.
‘Bowing to icons, ignoring their teachings’
Gandhi expanded his criticism to include the government’s approach to other historical figures, saying, “You bow in front of Buddha, but you destroy what he says.” He argued that true leadership required a clear vision for the future, free from hatred, violence, and anger.
Despite his sharp critique, he insisted, “My speech has been very polite, very kind. I thank the Prime Minister for coming and listening to it.”
