Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp critique against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning his respect for national symbols after he was seen paying tribute to a statue of his grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, while wearing shoes. The incident, reportedly occurring during his ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, has been seized upon by BJP leaders to question his fitness to "uphold Bharat Mata's honour."
BJP's IT cell head, Amit Malviya, shared a video clip, remarking, "If Rahul Gandhi can't respect his own family, how can he be expected to respect others? Indira Gandhi's statue and Rahul Gandhi with shoes on... This is how he will uphold the honour of Bharat Mata?" He further contrasted this with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who he stated "walks barefoot even in foreign countries to pay respects to statues and memorials."
जूते पहनकर पुष्पांजलि? ये सम्मान नहीं, अपमान है।
— विश्वास कैलाश सारंग (@VishvasSarang) June 3, 2025
पुष्प अर्पित किए जाते हैं, यूं फेंके नहीं जाते।
इटली के संस्कारों में पले राहुल गांधी कम से कम अपनी दादी को ही सम्मान दे देते।
उम्मीद है भोपाल छोड़ने से पहले सार्वजनिक माफ़ी ज़रूर माँगेंगे। pic.twitter.com/rS6XcPBNPR
Echoing these sentiments, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also took to social media, accusing Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly showing disrespect. Poonawalla drew parallels to past instances where Congress leaders allegedly disrespected traditions or national figures, framing this latest incident as part of a pattern. He emphasized the symbolism, suggesting that one who cannot show basic respect to their own ancestors by adhering to common Indian customs (like removing footwear at a place of reverence) cannot be entrusted with the nation's dignity.
The BJP's criticism aims to paint Rahul Gandhi as disconnected from Indian cultural norms and, by extension, from the sentiment of national pride represented by "Bharat Mata." This controversy highlights the often-intense political discourse where personal actions of leaders are frequently scrutinized and imbued with broader symbolic meaning, especially in the run-up to significant political events.
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