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Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India's Congress party, has escalated his criticisms of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), during a recent trip to the United States. In addresses to students at the University of Texas and members of the Indian diaspora in Dallas, Gandhi painted a stark contrast between the Congress's vision for India and the RSS's, labeling it a battle of ideologies.
Gandhi argued that the RSS believes in a singular idea of India, while the Congress champions a diversity of perspectives. He further asserted that the RSS's views on women are restrictive, advocating for their confinement to domestic roles. He claimed that the RSS believes women should stay at home, focus on cooking, and limit their speech, while the Congress champions women's rights to pursue their aspirations freely. This clash of viewpoints, according to Gandhi, represents a core difference between the BJP and the Opposition.
Gandhi also addressed the issue of unemployment in India, drawing parallels with China's economic success. He highlighted that while Western countries and India grapple with employment challenges, nations like China and Vietnam have managed to avoid this issue. He attributed this discrepancy to the West and India's shift from a focus on production to consumption, while China has dominated global manufacturing, generating significant employment opportunities.
Gandhi's remarks drew swift and strong condemnation from the BJP. Pradeep Bhandari, the party's national spokesperson, accused Gandhi of 'batting for China' and prioritizing the Communist Party of China over India's interests. Bhandari also criticized Gandhi's attacks on the Indian legal system and his prediction of social tension in India, alleging that these tactics aim to divide and rule. He further accused Gandhi of insulting Hindu gods and the Sanatana Dharma, accusing the Congress of being inherently opposed to Indian culture.
The BJP's fierce response underscores the deep political divide in India and the intense rivalry between the Congress and BJP. Gandhi's public criticisms of the RSS and the BJP's subsequent counterattacks reflect the escalating tensions between the two major political parties. The debate over women's rights, unemployment, and India's economic strategy is likely to continue as the country approaches the next general election.
Source: RSS Believes Women Should Stay At Home, Says Rahul Gandhi. BJP Reacts