Rahul Gandhi, former Congress president, faced sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following his comments that seemingly held Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible for India’s loss in the cricket World Cup final. Gandhi’s statement, referring to PM Modi as ‘Panauti Modi,’ sparked outrage among BJP leaders, labeling the remark as “shameful” and “disgraceful.”
During a rally in Rajasthan, Gandhi accused PM Modi of diverting attention from pertinent issues by engaging in discussions about “Hindu-Muslim” matters and attending cricket matches. He suggested that India lost the World Cup due to the presence of a “panauti” or bad omen, insinuating it was associated with PM Modi.
Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad strongly condemned Gandhi’s comments, highlighting that they reflect the former Congress president’s true intentions. Prasad recalled the Congress’s decline in Gujarat after Rahul’s mother, Sonia Gandhi, referred to Narendra Modi as “maut ka saudagar” (merchant of death) before the 2007 assembly polls, where the BJP secured a significant victory.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekar echoed Prasad’s sentiments, criticizing Gandhi’s lack of work experience and alleging the exploitation of the nation by the Gandhi family. Chandrashekar’s social media post emphasized PM Modi’s transformative leadership and denounced Gandhi’s remarks as a sign of desperation and mental instability.
BJP leaders demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, warning of serious consequences if he fails to do so. Prasad asserted that Gandhi’s remarks stemmed from frustration due to Congress’s anticipated losses in Rajasthan and other state Assembly polls.
The term “Panauti” trended on social media post-India’s defeat in the match against Australia, which PM Modi attended at a stadium in Ahmedabad bearing his name. Despite the loss, PM Modi extended support to the players, acknowledging their remarkable winning streak in previous matches.
The BJP’s vehement reaction underscores the growing political tension amidst sporting events, with criticism directed at opposition leaders for their remarks against the Prime Minister.
Sources By Agencies
