The political battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress-led INDIA bloc intensified once again after Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju took a sharp dig at Rahul Gandhi’s bold claim of defeating the BJP in Gujarat in the upcoming assembly elections. The war of words, laced with sarcasm and accusations, reflects the heated pre-election political climate in India.

Rijiju’s Jibe at Rahul Gandhi

On Thursday, Rijiju shared a video clip of Rahul Gandhi’s speech in the Lok Sabha on his social media handle, where Gandhi challenged the BJP and asserted that the INDIA bloc would win Gujarat. Reacting to it, Rijiju wrote, “After one roadshow and five foreign trips, Congress won’t win elections.”

Rijiju further accused Rahul Gandhi of speaking against India’s interests, suggesting that such rhetoric does not make him a genuine leader. This remark triggered a strong response from the Congress camp, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, Rijiju’s home state.

Rahul Gandhi’s Gujarat Challenge

In the video, Gandhi could be seen confidently declaring:
“We will defeat you in Gujarat this time. Take it in writing that the Opposition INDIA bloc is going to defeat you in Gujarat in the upcoming elections.”

This statement was positioned as a direct challenge to the BJP, which has been ruling Gujarat for over two decades. Gandhi’s assertion was also meant to energize Congress workers in a state where the party has faced repeated defeats.

Linking to Amit Shah’s Statement

The controversy escalated further when Gandhi linked his Gujarat challenge to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that the BJP would remain in power for the next 40 years. Questioning the statement, Gandhi asked, “How does Amit Shah know the future for 40 years? The answer is vote chori (vote theft).”

By accusing the BJP of manipulating elections, Gandhi attempted to cast doubts on the legitimacy of BJP’s long-standing dominance, not only in Gujarat but also in other parts of the country.

Rijiju’s Pattern of Attacks

This was not the first time Rijiju mocked the Congress leader. Earlier, a viral video showed Gandhi answering media queries during a press briefing while senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh corrected him mid-sentence. Rijiju used the clip to highlight Gandhi’s lack of political sharpness, saying even his own party leaders get “uncomfortable” when he speaks in Parliament.

Arunachal Pradesh Congress Reacts Strongly

The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) quickly responded to Rijiju’s jibe, condemning his comments as an “indecent personal attack and character assassination.” In a statement, APCC general secretary Chera Taya alleged that Rijiju was attempting to divert public attention from his own failures as a leader and minister.

The APCC also accused the BJP-led government of electoral malpractices, including vote theft, booth capturing, and cash-for-vote practices, especially in Arunachal Pradesh. They further alleged that inaction by election officers facilitated such irregularities, thereby questioning the credibility of the electoral process.

Political Significance of the Exchange

The exchange between Rijiju and Gandhi carries significant political weight. Gujarat, long considered a BJP stronghold and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political bastion, remains a critical battleground for the Congress. A victory for the INDIA bloc here would be symbolic, signaling that even the strongest BJP fortresses are vulnerable.

For Gandhi, Gujarat represents more than just an electoral contest—it is a test of whether the INDIA bloc’s narrative of challenging BJP’s dominance can translate into actual political gains. By repeatedly targeting Gujarat in his speeches, Gandhi is attempting to keep the spotlight on the state and mobilize anti-BJP sentiment.

For Rijiju and the BJP, countering Gandhi’s claims with sharp personal jibes helps reinforce the image of Gandhi as politically inexperienced and disconnected from ground realities. By highlighting his foreign trips and ridiculing his speeches, BJP leaders aim to paint him as unfit to challenge their stronghold.

Broader Political Context

The spat also fits into the larger narrative of BJP vs Opposition ahead of key state elections and eventually the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. While Gandhi has positioned himself as the face of the INDIA bloc, BJP leaders have worked consistently to undermine his credibility through a mix of mockery and political counter-narratives.

Moreover, accusations of “vote chori” reflect the growing theme in Opposition rhetoric that BJP’s electoral dominance is not purely due to popular mandate but also questionable practices. This narrative, however, risks alienating voters unless backed with concrete evidence.

Conclusion

The ongoing Rijiju-Gandhi exchanges underline the tense and combative political environment in India. While Gandhi seeks to build momentum by directly challenging BJP strongholds like Gujarat, BJP leaders like Rijiju counter with sarcasm, dismissive jibes, and nationalist framing.

With the Arunachal Congress stepping in to defend Gandhi, this episode shows how political skirmishes often evolve into larger debates involving multiple states and regional parties. As Gujarat elections draw nearer, such exchanges are expected to intensify, keeping the state at the center of India’s political battlefield.

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