BJP Calls Congress ‘Muslim League, Maoist’, Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Indore Event

The BJP on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress over former vice president Hamid Ansari’s remarks on Jawaharlal Nehru’s views on Hindu right-wing communalism, alleging that the opposition party had adopted a “Muslim League, Maoist” character.

Addressing a press conference, BJP MP and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said Ansari’s comments had “exposed” the Congress’ ideological shift, claiming the party had moved towards the ultra-left and communism, which he said Nehru had regarded as a threat.

Ansari, speaking at an event commemorating constitutional expert and author A G Noorani, had referred to Nehru’s view that the “real danger” to India was Hindu right-wing communalism rather than communism. The observation was cited from Noorani’s 2019 book, The RSS: A Menace to India.

Trivedi also alleged that some Muslim leaders supported by the Congress had “League-like sentiments”, and criticised the party over its alleged response to controversial remarks attributed to Kerala Islamic scholar Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar concerning women’s role in public life.

The BJP leader also targeted Rahul Gandhi over his “Chhatron Ki Goonj” youth outreach programme in Indore. Trivedi questioned whether Gandhi was qualified to continue as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accusing him of compromising the dignity of the constitutional post.

He described Gandhi’s event as “jokarai” (buffoonery) and alleged that Congress programmes had declined from humorous poetry sessions to laughter shows and stand-up comedy.

Trivedi further questioned Congress’ education policies, asking what model the party had implemented in states such as Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh, where it is in power.

He also criticised the Congress’ student wing NSUI, citing its performance in university elections, and claimed youth support was moving towards the ABVP.

Gandhi, speaking at the Indore event, had said students could remove hatred from the country, rather than supporters he referred to as “Andhbhakts”.