Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has launched a sharp political attack on the Congress party, accusing it of having a problem with the very word 'Ram'. Her comments came in the context of a recently renamed government employment scheme.
Raje's Accusation Against Congress
Speaking at a public event, Raje stated that while the concept of Lord Ram is central to life and faith for the BJP and its supporters, the principal opposition party views it differently. "Congress has a problem with the word 'Ram'. For us, it's life," Raje emphasised. She connected this ideological stance to current political disagreements over a central government initiative.
The G Ram G Scheme Renaming Row
The controversy stems from the rebranding of a major employment scheme. Raje pointed out that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme was reformed and given a new name: G Ram G. However, this move has faced opposition from the Congress party.
Raje framed the Congress's resistance as not merely administrative disagreement but as a fundamental clash of values. By highlighting the inclusion of 'Ram' in the scheme's title, she sought to portray the BJP as a party in tune with India's cultural and religious ethos, in contrast to the Congress.
Political Implications and Timing
The statement, made on 22 December 2025, adds fuel to the ongoing political discourse in Rajasthan and at the national level. It underscores the BJP's continued strategy of blending governance with cultural nationalism, using symbolic gestures like renaming schemes to resonate with a broad section of the electorate.
For the Congress, the accusation presents a challenge. It forces the party to either defend its opposition on purely policy grounds or risk being painted as dismissive of a potent cultural symbol revered by millions. This incident is likely to be referenced repeatedly in the lead-up to future elections in the state.
Raje's role as a key BJP figure from Rajasthan gives significant weight to her words, ensuring the remark will be amplified in political circles and media discussions. The framing of the debate around 'Ram' versus 'anti-Ram' sentiments is a familiar yet powerful political tool in the contemporary Indian landscape.
