The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, with party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia accusing him of engaging in 'toolkit politics' and attempting to create instability amid growing concerns over inflation and rising fuel prices.
The remarks came after Rahul claimed during a meeting of the Congress Minority Department advisory council that the Narendra Modi-led government 'will not last till next year' if the current economic situation persists. The Congress leader has also intensified his criticism of the central government over the latest fuel price hikes, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of burdening ordinary citizens.
BJP spokesperson compares Rahul to 'Bhasmasur'
Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Bhatia mocked Gandhi's prediction and compared him to the mythological demon 'Bhasmasur'. 'Yesterday, another toolkit surfaced in which it was claimed that this government, serving the people of the country with full strength, will fall within a year. We did not know that 'Bhasmasur Rahul Gandhi' would also become an astrologer,' Bhatia said.
The BJP leader accused Gandhi of making 'destructive, anarchic, immature and foolish' statements aimed at weakening public confidence in the government. He argued that India had demonstrated resilience despite global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.
India's economic stability defended
'It is a time of global crisis and many economies have weakened. But under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India has faced these challenges strongly for the past 85 days. The Indian economy remains stable,' Bhatia said.
He also responded to Gandhi's criticism over fuel prices, stating that increases in petrol and diesel rates had been driven by global crude oil volatility and tensions in West Asia. Fuel prices were revised upward again on Monday, marking the fourth hike in less than two weeks. In Delhi, petrol crossed the Rs 100-per-litre mark after rising to Rs 102.12, while diesel climbed to Rs 95.20 per litre.
BJP's resolve to strengthen India
'If Rahul Gandhi's intention is to spread anarchy, then our resolve is to make India stronger and take the country further ahead,' Bhatia added.
The exchange highlights the ongoing political battle between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, with both sides trading barbs over economic management and governance. The BJP continues to defend its record, citing global factors beyond its control, while the Congress accuses the government of failing to shield citizens from rising costs.
