Rahul Gandhi to "fight against Indian state"; 'Script from Soros playbook'?

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Rahul Gandhi says “Fight against Indian state“

During the inauguration of the Congress party’s new headquarters in Delhi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered a scathing critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and the Indian state.

• Gandhi declared, “Do not think we are fighting a fair fight. If you believe we are fighting against a political organization called BJP and RSS, they have captured almost every institution in our country. We are now fighting not just the BJP and RSS, but the Indian state itself.”
• He also raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, pointing specifically to the Maharashtra elections.
• Gandhi alleged irregularities in the voters' list, citing the sudden addition of nearly one crore voters between the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in Maharashtra.
• He accused the Election Commission of refusing to provide transparency by withholding the voters’ list with names and addresses, a move he deemed suspicious.
• “Why would the Election Commission refuse to make the voters' list transparent? What purpose does it serve by not providing us with the list, and why are they withholding it?,” Gandhi questioned, urging Congress members and opposition leaders to recognize the systemic issues within the election system.

Full video from Cong’s official channel ??

What is “Indian state”: Article 12 of the Constitution of India defines the term "State". It applies to Part III of the Constitution, which covers Fundamental Rights. The term "State" includes the Government and Parliament of India, the Government and Legislature of each state, and all local authorities.It also includes authorities under the control of the Government of India.

• This means that, according to the constitution, the President, Governor, Cabinet Ministers, Police, and bureaucrats, as well as Local authorities like municipalities, District Boards, Panchayats, and mining settlement boards, are all included under the “Indian State.”
• In addition, the courts have interpreted the meaning of "State" in various contexts to extend the dimension of Fundamental Rights.
• For example, in Sukhdev v. Bhagatram, the Supreme Court held that the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), and International Finance Corporation (IFC) were states.
• Does Rahul Gandhi wants to wage a war against these institutions, is this what should be interpreted from Rahul Gandhi’s speech?

Not the first time: Previously, Rahul Gandhi's foreign visits have repeatedly sparked controversy, often due to his remarks that critics perceive as undermining India’s image. His recent trips have been no exception, with the BJP seizing on his statements and meetings to question his motives and associations.

• During his visit to the United States, Gandhi met with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a figure often criticized for her views on India. The BJP labeled Omar a "radical Islamist" and accused Gandhi of aligning with anti-India sentiments, further fueling the political implications of his trip.

About Omar: Ilhan Omar has consistently criticized India over alleged human rights violations against minorities, including internet blackouts and violence. In June 2022, she proposed a U.S. resolution to label India a "Country of Particular Concern."

• She supported probes into India's alleged role in Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing and visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, aligning with Pakistani views on Kashmir. Omar also opposes Indian policies like the NRC and the abrogation of Article 370, drawing both support from diaspora groups and condemnation from Indian officials.

In a speech at Georgetown University, Gandhi addressed issues concerning Sikh rights, highlighting the freedom to wear turbans and carry kirpans as symbols of broader religious liberties in India. BJP leaders interpreted his remarks as a veiled insult to the Sikh community, accusing him of denigrating India’s image on an international platform.

• Gandhi also characterized India as a "union of states" during his visit, emphasizing the country’s diversity in languages and traditions. He accused the BJP of undermining this unity by treating certain states and communities as inferior. This assertion, while applauded by some for its focus on diversity, was criticized by BJP leaders as inflammatory and disrespectful.

BJP hits back: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly reacted to Gandhi's remarks. Union Health Minister JP Nadda accused Gandhi of exposing the "ugly truth" about the Congress party, alleging that it reflects a fundamental opposition to India.

• "Hidden no more, Congress' ugly truth now stands exposed by their own leader," Nadda said, further claiming that Gandhi’s ties to "urban naxals" and a so-called "deep state" are part of a deliberate attempt to undermine India’s integrity.
• Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri took a personal dig at Gandhi, advising him to "get his mental stability checked," a sentiment echoed by other BJP leaders who questioned Gandhi’s leadership and mental fitness.
• BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Gandhi of waging a premeditated war against India, suggesting his remarks align with the agendas of figures like George Soros.

Soros connection: Previously, BJP alleged that the connection between US-based billionaire George Soros and the Nehru-Gandhi family runs deep, extending beyond Sonia Gandhi's 'role' as co-president of the Forum of Democratic Leaders - Asia Pacific.

• In a post on X, the ruling party, citing media reports, said, "Fori Nehru, a Hungarian like Soros, was married to BK Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru's cousin, making her the aunt of Rahul Gandhi, former Congress President and Leader of the Opposition".
• George Soros is documented to have visited Fori Nehru and maintained extended correspondence with her and their association traces back to the time when BK Nehru served as India's ambassador to the United States, the party claimed. Read more here

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What’s happening | ?? Rohit Sharma To Visit Pakistan

• Although India will play its Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue, the team captain is expected to visit the host nation Pakistan to attend the opening ceremony of the prestigious event
• "Indian Team captain will visit Pakistan to attend the opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy as PCB plans grand event, marking the return of a mega international cricket event to Pakistan after 29 years," sources told IANS.

Hi, I’m Aniket Mishra, the editor of this newsletter. I’d love to hear some feedback on the newsletter. WhatsApp me directly and tell me what you think.