Anurag Thakur Slams Rahul Gandhi Over 'Chokehold' Comments, Cites Poll Defeats
Union Minister Anurag Thakur has launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asserting that repeated electoral losses have left him "bitter and full of hate for India." This statement came in response to Gandhi's recent comments alleging that the United States has a "chokehold" on India under the current government.
Countering Claims of Foreign Influence
Thakur strongly rebutted Gandhi's accusations, highlighting what he described as a stark contrast between the present situation and the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) administration. "During the UPA rule, 11 out of 12 public sector banks were under the stranglehold of the PCA (Prompt Corrective Action) framework," Thakur stated, emphasizing the financial turmoil of that era.
He argued that this banking crisis demonstrated a severe domestic governance failure, rather than any external pressure. The minister's remarks aimed to shift the focus from international relations to historical economic mismanagement under the Congress-led government.
Allegations of Personal Bitterness
The core of Thakur's criticism centered on Rahul Gandhi's political trajectory. Thakur suggested that Gandhi's growing frustration stems from a series of electoral setbacks, which have diminished the Congress party's influence across India. This bitterness, according to Thakur, manifests in rhetoric that questions national sovereignty and progress.
Political analysts note that such exchanges are becoming increasingly common as India approaches future electoral cycles. The war of words underscores deep ideological divides and personal rivalries within the country's political landscape.
Context and Implications
The debate over foreign influence and domestic governance is likely to intensify in the coming months. Key points from this development include:
- Thakur's defense of the current government's economic policies against allegations of external control.
- The reference to the PCA framework as evidence of past financial instability under UPA leadership.
- The personalization of political discourse, with attacks on Gandhi's mindset following poll losses.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between India's major political parties, with each side leveraging historical data and personal narratives to sway public opinion. As the political climate heats up, such confrontations are expected to become more frequent and pointed.
