In a powerful political statement, Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Gidugu Rudra Raju said that the people of India, cutting across religious lines, were firmly rejecting the communal politics of the BJP. He made these comments during a telephonic conversation with The Hindu on Friday, April 18, 2025, days after a massive protest led by Muslims across Andhra Pradesh against proposed amendments to the Waqf Act.

According to Mr. Rudra Raju, the success of the protest, backed by the Congress Party, drew widespread support not just from the Muslim community but also from sections of the Hindu population, indicating a broader public rejection of divisive politics.

Congress: The Defender of Secularism

Rudra Raju underlined that Congress has always stood for secular values and ensured co-existence among communities based on the foundational principles of the Constitution. He noted:

“The Congress Party always wants religious harmony in society. Its secular philosophy ensured co-existence of people of all faiths in the country.”

He added that the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre has been consistently trying to create divisive narratives, particularly targeting Muslims and other minority groups, under the guise of administrative reforms or national interest.

Mr. Raju stressed that:

“Fortunately, the Hindu community has also realised the BJP’s ill motives. They are witnessing the misuse of social media and other tools to promote a communal agenda.”

April 16 Waqf Protest and Widespread Impact

The April 16 agitation against the Waqf Act amendments in Andhra Pradesh served as a turning point, according to the Congress leader. The protest witnessed participation not just from Muslims but also drew support from other communities, which he said was a clear indication of India’s deep-rooted secular sentiment.

Mr. Raju emphasised that the Congress-backed protest was an effort to uphold minority rights and ensure that the Waqf properties, which are meant for the welfare of the Muslim community, are not tampered with or misappropriated under new policy changes proposed by the Centre.

BJP Accused of Diverting Public Attention

In a sharp allegation, Gidugu Rudra Raju said that the timing of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheets against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case was deliberate. He suggested it was meant to divert attention from the rising public discontent on the Waqf issue.

“The ED’s action on the eve of the April 16 protest is nothing but a distraction tactic. The Rajiv Gandhi family has been serving the public selflessly since 1989. Their clean image is well known, and these charges are politically motivated,” Mr. Raju said.

He further criticised the targeted use of investigative agencies against opposition leaders as a threat to democracy, arguing that such actions undermine public trust in institutions.

Growing Political Tensions Ahead of Elections

These remarks come at a time when political tensions are rising ahead of the upcoming General Elections. The Congress Party is actively trying to reclaim its secular and inclusive narrative, while the BJP continues to defend its stand on religious and administrative reforms, including those related to the Waqf Board.

The Congress leadership is mobilising support from minority groups, secular Hindu factions, Dalits, and youth, projecting itself as the only credible alternative to the BJP’s “divisive politics.” Mr. Rudra Raju’s statements are in line with the party's broader strategy to position itself as a protector of constitutional values.

The Battle of Narratives: Secularism vs Nationalism

The current political landscape is witnessing a clash of ideologies — with the BJP pushing its brand of cultural nationalism, and the Congress asserting its legacy of secularism.

• The Waqf Act protest has reignited debates around minority rights, religious freedom, and property ownership.

• Allegations of the Centre interfering in religious trusts has created ripples across minority communities.

• Congress hopes to convert this public resentment into electoral support, particularly in southern states like Andhra Pradesh.

The support from sections of the Hindu community, as noted by Mr. Rudra Raju, is being portrayed as a sign of changing political sentiment, where even traditional BJP voters may be rethinking their alignment due to perceived excesses and communal undertones.

Future Outlook

The coming weeks are expected to witness more mass mobilisation, public meetings, and legal battles over these contentious issues. Congress’s emphasis on secular values, as echoed by Gidugu Rudra Raju, aims to reignite the spirit of inclusive politics.

In summary, the Congress Party is building its political pitch on the foundations of religious harmony, democratic institutions, and constitutional governance. Whether this resonates with the broader electorate or not will be tested in the forthcoming electoral showdown.

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