The Bharatiya Janata Party launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, branding him as "India's weakest link" amidst a controversy over invitations to a state banquet for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Core of the Controversy
This political firestorm erupted after Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government was deliberately breaking with tradition by not inviting him or a representative of the Opposition to meet the visiting Russian President. Gandhi attributed this omission to the government's "insecurity." The Congress party confirmed on Friday, December 7, 2025, that neither Gandhi, the LoP in Rajya Sabha, nor Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge received an invitation to the banquet hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
BJP's Forceful Counterattack
Responding to the allegations, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia mounted a vigorous defence on Saturday. He dismissed Gandhi's claims and launched a personal critique of the Congress leader's conduct. "Today, Rahul Gandhi has proven to be the weakest link for India," Bhatia stated. He further accused Gandhi of "sometimes appearing to play into the hands of George Soros and at other times furthering Pakistan’s agenda."
Bhatia's remarks framed Gandhi as "immature" and "untruthful," alleging that the Congress leader prioritises his own interests over national interest. "The person who keeps demanding his rights and talks about giving rights, why does he never talk about his duties?" Bhatia questioned, encapsulating the BJP's line of argument that Gandhi focuses on privilege rather than responsibility.
Tradition vs. Political Point-Scoring
The dispute hinges on the expected norms for high-profile diplomatic visits. The Opposition has consistently argued that involving the LoP in such events is a standard practice that fosters bipartisan dialogue on foreign policy. The government's decision to exclude the top Opposition figures has now become a significant flashpoint, transforming a diplomatic event into a domestic political battleground. The BJP's strong rhetoric, including terms like "weakest link," indicates a strategy to aggressively counter Gandhi's narrative rather than merely explain the protocol decision.
This incident adds another layer to the ongoing, often acrimonious, relationship between the ruling party and the principal opposition party. It shifts public discourse, at least temporarily, from policy to personality, with both sides digging in their heels. The aftermath of this exchange is likely to influence the political tone in Parliament and public debate in the coming days.
