BJP Challenges Rahul Gandhi: “Have Courage to Use Derogatory Terms for Other Religions Amid Shakti Row”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, accusing him of disrespecting Hindu culture while avoiding derogatory remarks towards other religions. Responding to the backlash sparked by Gandhi’s ‘Shakti’ comment, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad asserted that Gandhi is influenced by elements with Maoist and anti-Hindu ideologies.

“Rahul Gandhi insulted Hindu culture yesterday. We hoped he would acknowledge his mistake. However, even after a day, there have been no attempts to retract the statement. His spokespeople tried to justify his remark, but it remains unacceptable…Under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, the Congress party has strayed from the principles of Mahatma Gandhi. It is now led by divisive and anti-Hindu ideologies,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad.

“Rahul Gandhi is completely under the influence of these ideologies…Does he have the audacity to make derogatory remarks about the fundamental beliefs of other religions?” he added.

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During a rally in Maharashtra on Sunday, Gandhi expressed concerns about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

“In Hinduism, there is a concept of ‘Shakti’ (power). We are combating against the power of the state. The question is, what does this ‘Shakti’ mean for us? The integrity of EVMs has been compromised for the benefit of the ruler (Modi). This is a fact. Not only EVMs, but every independent institution of the country, including the ED, CBI, or Income Tax Department, have surrendered their autonomy to the Centre,” he stated in Mumbai.

On Monday, the BJP interpreted the statement as an attack on Hinduism, alleging that it reflected Rahul Gandhi’s misogynistic mindset.