San Francisco, USA – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre, stating that he initiated the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ due to the control exerted over the tools of political engagement by the ruling party. Speaking at the ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’ event, part of his 10-day tour in the United States, Gandhi expressed that the entire nation supported him during the extensive foot march.
During his address to the Indian diaspora, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the limitations faced in traditional political discourse and attributed them to the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) wielding control. He pointed out the use of intimidation and government agencies against the people, making it increasingly challenging to act politically. Consequently, Gandhi and his party decided to embark on a journey from Kanyakumari to Srinagar, spanning the length of India.
Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi criticized certain groups in India for presuming omniscience. He emphasized that India is a nation that thrives on diversity of language and religion, which is currently under attack. Gandhi highlighted the tradition in India, exemplified by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Guru Nanak, where one is cautioned against assuming absolute knowledge. Mocking PM Modi, he humorously stated that even if he were to converse with God, he would feel the need to explain the workings of the universe to Him.
Expanding on his remarks, the Congress leader remarked that while the BJP can engage in conversations with scientists about science, historians about history, and the military about warfare and aviation, they fundamentally lack true knowledge. Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of attempting to obstruct his ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ but admitted that their efforts had no effect against the overwhelming support the foot march received.
Reflecting on the foot march, Rahul Gandhi revealed that the physical toll was initially challenging, particularly due to an old knee injury resurfacing. However, he discovered that both he and those around him felt surprisingly invigorated despite walking long distances each day. He attributed this phenomenon to the notion that it was not just them walking but the entire nation marching alongside them.
It was during the Yatra that the concept of ‘Nafrat Ke Bazaar Mein Mohabbat Ki Dukaan’ (A Shop of Love in the Market of Hatred) came to his mind. Gandhi emphasized that ‘Bharat Jodo’ (Unite India) was not only an Indian concept but also one that encompassed respect, affection, non-violence, and humility towards one another. He acknowledged the giants of history who championed this idea, such as Guru Nanak in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, and Basavana Ji in Karnataka, and Narayan Guru Ji in Kerala.
Rahul Gandhi concluded by asserting that listening to the people is vital to gaining knowledge, highlighting it as a longstanding tradition in India. He celebrated the country’s openness to absorbing diverse ideas, reflecting its humility, respect, and affectionate nature. Addressing the Indian diaspora, he commended their presence, stating that they embody the values of an inclusive India.
