Rahul Gandhi's speeches often leave him and his audience baffled. While the Congress may later clarify, the damage is usually done. During the closure of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on Sunday, it was perplexing what Gandhi truly intended to say. As a civilized leader, Gandhi wouldn’t intentionally challenge any religion. Essentially, it seems Gandhi's advisors feed him lines that get regurgitated. BJP always seeks such opportunities. Modi swiftly countered Gandhi’s remarks within 24 hours. Congress spokesperson Pavan Kheda's clarifications fall on deaf ears as he asserts, 'We are battling demonic powers.'
1- Rahul Gandhi: Not fighting a political party!
Rhetorically turning philosopher, Gandhi complicates his message. People think we're fighting a political party. That is false. We're fighting an entity that India's youth must recognize. Gandhi's veiled reference to Hinduism's power was puzzling for many. Before fully explaining, EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) get dragged into the conversation as somehow embodying the king's spirit. Listeners are left bewildered.
2- Not even against Narendra Modi!
Gandhi, within his rhetoric, clarifies he's not opposing BJP or Narendra Modi. Indicating Modi as a mere facade, akin to an actor playing a role, Gandhi suggests Modi's perceived strength is hollow.
3- Battling the might of Hinduism!
Gandhi says we're not countering a party or an individual, but an intangible force. The mention of EVMs' spirits and spirit-infused agencies like ED (Enforcement Directorate), CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), etc., adds to the confusion. He implies countless people have been coerced to join BJP by this overarching force.
While it's correct that Gandhi's intention was probably benign, his unnecessary reference to Hinduism’s power in his speech sparks controversy. This misstep should be avoided, especially during elections. Veteran journalist Vinod Sharma opines, Gandhi might have spoken out of ignorance, not malice, as he seems reluctantly coerced into speech.
4- Rahul's Philosophical Statements – An Opportunity for Modi Like Lalu's Before
Just as Lalu Yadav's recent comments gave Modi and BJP a chance, so have Gandhi's philosophical statements. Modi can utilize this in numerous rallies, framing it as Gandhi's antipathy towards Hinduism.
PM Modi retorts to Gandhi's focus on spiritual struggle in Telangana, contrasting those who discuss annihilating power with those who worship it. He emphatically declares every mother and daughter as manifestations of power, vowing his protection.
5- EVM Criticism over CAA and Electoral Bonds – A Shift Away from Key Issues
The assembled opposition in Mumbai spotlighted EVMs, vowing to discard them if in power. Rahul Gandhi raised the electronic voting issue and questioned actions of government entities. The focus on these topics rather than on pressing matters such as CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and electoral bonds indicates a strategic misalignment by Gandhi's advisory team.
