Introduction:
In a recent election rally in Rajasthan, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made a statement claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence at the India vs Australia World Cup final had brought bad luck to the Indian cricket team. Labeling PM Modi as "Panauti Modi" (jinx Modi), Gandhi's comments have ignited a political firestorm, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and leading to a war of words between the two political rivals.
Rahul Gandhi's Comments:
Addressing a poll rally in Jalore, Rahul Gandhi claimed that India's near victory in the World Cup final was thwarted by the "bad omen" of PM Modi's presence at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Congress leader went on to assert that Modi's attendance at the cricket match had resulted in the team's loss, coining the term "PM means Panauti Modi". The remarks were later reiterated at a rally in Baytu in Balotra, with Gandhi accusing the Prime Minister of diverting attention from critical issues by attending cricket matches.
BJP's Swift response:
The BJP swiftly condemned Rahul Gandhi's comments, with former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad leading the charge. Describing the remarks as "shameful, condemnable, and disgraceful," Prasad reminded Gandhi of the Congress's sinking fortunes in Gujarat following Sonia Gandhi's "maut ka saudagar" (merchant of death) remark about Narendra Modi. Prasad demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, warning that the issue would be treated seriously otherwise.
Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar labeled Gandhi's comments as a sign of desperation and mental instability, emphasizing Modi's positive impact on India's development. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also criticized Rahul Gandhi, calling his comments despicable and questioning the Congress party's approach to encouraging sports in the country. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa labeled Rahul Gandhi as a "bad omen" for India and condemned his use of abusive language against the Prime Minister.
Congress's sick justification:
In response to the BJP's criticism, Congress general secretary (organization) K.C. Venugopal accused the BJP of being "Godse bhakts". Venugopal alleged that BJP leaders, including PM Modi, had regularly insulted prominent Congress figures with vile abuses. He argued that the BJP was finding it difficult to digest the harsh truth spoken by Rahul Gandhi.
The Congress party also seized the opportunity to release its manifesto for the Rajasthan assembly elections. Rahul Gandhi, as Congress MP from Wayanad, criticized PM Modi for not doing enough for the development of OBCs despite claiming to represent them in his previous speeches.
The Disgraceful behaviour by the opposition:
Although the statements made by Rahul Gandhi are shameful and should be condemned, this is not something new. In the past too numerous opposition leaders have stopped low in their criticism of PM Modi.
In a healthy democracy, criticism is essential and this is something that even the PM agrees with and has encouraged the opposition to do the same. But, calling your Prime Minister as ‘Panauti’, ‘Gandi naali ka keeda’, ‘Kutte ke bachhe ka bada bhai’ this isn't democracy or a good utilization of the Free Speech that our constitution guarantees. If the opposition really believes that PM Modi has been detrimental for India, then they’d be wise to criticize him using his failings but abusing him in public rallies is harmful not just for their own political prestige but also a big black spot on our Election processes.
Conclusion:
The war of words between Rahul Gandhi and the BJP over the "Panauti Modi" remark is yet another addition to the increasing list of instances where opposition leaders are resorting to hurling vile and disgraceful abuses at their own Prime Minister instead of engaging in constructive criticism.
While India has indeed lost the World Cup but that was surely not because the PM attended it. By attending that world cup match in person, the PM has stood with the Indian Team and the Public in a moment that is shared by all Indians rich and poor. If attending the World Cup final is somehow a waste of a PM’s time according to the Congress then they would be wise to remind Rahul Gandhi what PM Manmohan Singh was doing attending not just the finals but also the semifinals of the 2011 world cup?
It's easy to abuse someone. What it shows is that you have nothing else to attack them with and personal attacks is the last thing that you are left with. But it won’t achieve anything other than speeding up the Congress's own demise.
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