Source TOI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress leadership, alleging that members of the party’s first family had “stolen” the surname of Mahatma Gandhi for political gain. His remarks triggered immediate reactions from the Opposition, further escalating the ongoing political confrontation ahead of key electoral battles.
Addressing a public gathering, PM Modi said that the Gandhi surname had been adopted to create an illusion of legacy and moral authority, while the values and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi were being ignored. “They took the Gandhi name, but not Gandhiji’s thoughts, discipline or commitment to the nation,” the Prime Minister said, drawing applause from supporters.
The Prime Minister accused the Congress of misleading the public by projecting dynastic politics under the revered Gandhi name. He also reiterated his long-standing criticism of family-centric politics, asserting that his government stood for accountability, transparency and equal opportunity.
The Congress party strongly condemned the remarks, calling them disrespectful to India’s freedom struggle and an attempt to divert attention from pressing national issues. Senior Congress leaders said the Gandhi family’s contribution to the country was well documented and accused the Prime Minister of lowering the level of political discourse.
Political analysts view the comments as part of an intensifying war of words between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, with both sides sharpening their rhetoric to consolidate their core voter bases. The exchange is expected to fuel further debate in Parliament and on the campaign trail in the coming days.
As the political temperature rises, PM Modi’s remarks have once again brought the spotlight on the role of legacy, symbolism and ideology in Indian politics, ensuring that the Gandhi surname remains a contentious issue in the national discourse.
