New Delhi, October 23 (H.S.): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi on Friday criticised the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, arguing that the party had struggled to achieve electoral success while in opposition. He alleged that the Congress’s political approach had been characterised by the pursuit of power, social divisions and opposition to aspects of India’s religious and cultural traditions. Trivedi also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s political record, contrasting it with what he described as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s record of achievements.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Trivedi referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier remark that the Congress was repeatedly attempting to relaunch a “failed product”. He said the party’s approach had affected not only its political prospects but also raised questions about its position on the country’s constitutional framework. He added that Rahul Gandhi’s political career could be assessed by examining key events and developments.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s early education and professional background, Trivedi mentioned his admission to St Stephen’s College and his association with shooting. He also referred to Gandhi’s education abroad and his employment with a British company between 1996 and 1999. Commenting on the company’s closure, Trivedi questioned the outcomes associated with Gandhi’s professional and political engagements.

Trivedi said Rahul Gandhi was among the Congress’s prominent political leaders in 2014, a year in which the party subsequently recorded its lowest-ever tally of Lok Sabha seats. He argued that the leadership decisions and organisational experiments undertaken under Gandhi had not produced the expected electoral results.

He also referred to Rahul Gandhi’s proposal to democratise elections within the Youth Congress. Trivedi questioned whether the initiative had resulted in the anticipated organisational changes. He further cited protests associated with the Youth Congress, including an alleged nude protest during the AI Summit, while raising concerns about the party’s organisational functioning.

Trivedi maintained that the Congress continued to face political challenges and questioned the effectiveness of its strategies under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. Comparing the party’s electoral record with the performance of the Modi government, he argued that the Congress needed to reassess its approach to improve its political position.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar