“A political function designed around Narendra Modi and RSS”: Rahul Gandhi takes a swipe at the PM over Ram Mandir ceremony

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the much-awaited Ram Mandir consecration ceremony, calling it a political “Narendra Modi function.” Addressing a press meet in Nagaland’s Kohima, a stop of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Gandhi maintained that it is difficult for the Congress leadership to attend a program “designed around the Prime Minister and the RSS.”

“The RSS and the BJP have made the 22nd January function a completely political Narendra Modi function. It's a RSS BJP function and I think that is why the Congress President said that he would not go to the function. We are open to all religions, all practices,” said the Wayanad MP.

The senior Congress leader stated that the grand old party is “open to all religions and practices”, but, is averse to programs allegedly tailor-made to suit the political interests of BJP. “Even the authorities of the Hindu religion, the biggest authorities of the Hindu religion, have made their view public about what they think about the 22nd January function that it is political. So it is difficult for us to go to a political function which is designed around the Prime Minister of India and designed around the RSS," Gandhi added.

Speaking on the contentious issue of seat sharing in places like Bengal where regional differences have taken center stage, Rahul Gandhi said the status of the India alliance is very good, and any complications will be “easily resolved.” “INDIA alliance is in a strong position to take on the BJP. The yatra is to place certain ideas to the people of India, the alternative idea. The fight will be on issues. The INDIA alliance will win the election,” asserted Gandhi.

Congress flagged off its Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra with Raul Gandhi at the helm from Manipur’s Thoubal district on Sunday. The yatra aims to highlight pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and social justice that have purportedly been exacerbated by the ruling BJP Government’s alleged apathy. In the months leading up to the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress has clarified that the yatra is an ideological endeavor aimed at opposing the alleged misdeeds of the BJP, rather than being focused on electoral gains. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will traverse 100 Lok Sabha constituencies across 15 states, spanning a total distance of 6,713 kilometers by both bus and foot. This march is scheduled to pass through 110 districts over 67 days, with its anticipated conclusion in Mumbai around March 20 or 21.