Rahul Gandhi Says India’s Institutions Weaponised for BJP, Sparks Political Row

Rahul Gandhi

India’s institutional framework is under a full-scale assault and has been weaponised to favour the ruling BJP, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has said. Gandhi’s address at the Hertie School in Berlin has drawn a sharp response from the BJP, with party chief JP Nadda accusing the Congress leader of abusing India abroad.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“…we fundamentally believe that there is a problem with the electoral machinery in India. (The) second thing is that there is a wholesale capture of our institutional framework. When you look at our intelligence agencies, you look at the CBI, you look at the ED, they’ve been weaponised. Look at the number of cases that the ED and the CBI have against the BJP people. You’ll find the answer is zero. And look at the number of cases they have against people who oppose them,” he said.

“So there is an atmosphere in India where the institutions are not performing the role that they should be performing. From our perspective, Congress perspective, we help build the institutional framework. So we never viewed it as our own institutional framework. That’s not how the BJP sees it. The BJP views the institutional framework of India as belonging to them. And so they use it as a tool for building political power. Just look at the difference between how much money the BJP has and how much the opposition has. You’ll see a ratio 30:1,” he said.

Gandhi said the Opposition has to find ways to counter this. “It’s not good enough for us to say, oh, you know, there’s a problem in the elections. We will deal with it. And we will create a method, a system of opposition resistance that will succeed,” he said.Responding to a question on the INDIA alliance, Gandhi said people tend to see the alliance building up when an election comes. “Look at it slightly differently. All the parties of the INDIA alliance do not agree with the basic ideology of the RSS. That’s the point. And you can ask any of them. None of them will tell you that actually we believe in the ideological position of the RSS. So we are very much united on that question. But we have tactical contests that take place, and we will continue to have them,” he said.

“But you will see that when it comes to the Opposition requiring unity, and you see it every day in Parliament, for example, we are very united. And we will contest the BJP on laws that we disagree with. It’s a deeper battle now than simply elections. Now we are fighting a battle for an alternate vision of India,” Gandhi said.

The Leader of the Opposition’s remarks abroad drew a strong counter from BJP chief and Union Minister Nadda. “When Parliament is in session, Rahul Gandhi is in Germany. And he is giving speeches against India there. And when is he giving? When Prime Minister Modi ji is being respected more than 29 times, then he goes and abuses India,” he said.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said Gandhi is again on a “Defame India” tour. “He goes abroad, defames India, tells lies. He is not the Leader of Opposition but the Leader of Propaganda. He has said in Germany that there is no manufacturing in India, and institutions have been razed. China, he has said, is doing well. Praise China, defame India, this is Rahul Gandhi’s identity now.”

Rahul Gandhi Pays Tribute to Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting the Constitution

Rahul Gandhi

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday paid homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament on the occasion of Mahaparinirvan Diwas, marking the 70th death anniversary of the architect of the Indian Constitution, and reiterated that safeguarding Ambedkar’s ideas and the Constitution remains a shared national responsibility.

Speaking to reporters after the tribute ceremony, Rahul Gandhi described Babasaheb Ambedkar as a towering national figure whose ideas continue to guide India’s democratic and social framework.

“Ambedkar ji is an icon. He showed a path to the entire country, he gave us the Constitution. So, we remember him and protect his ideas and the Constitution…The Constitution of every Indian is under threat. We protect it, the citizens protect it,” Rahul Gandhi told reporters.

Later, in a post on X, the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated his commitment to defending constitutional values.

“Humble tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar on his Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His timeless legacy of equality, justice and human dignity strengthens my resolve to defend the Constitution and inspires our collective struggle for a more inclusive, compassionate India,” he wrote.

The 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas was commemorated by Dr Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) on behalf of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, at Prerna sthal, Parliament House Campus, on December 06, 2025, near the statue of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

In the course of time, the entire event was opened up to the public to pay their obeisance at the feet of the life-size statue of Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar at the Parliament House Lawn.

During the event, the Dr Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) also maintained a stall to assist with the storage of followers’ belongings. At the same time, they paid their floral tribute to Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in a befitting manner with the confluence of Buddhist chants performed by 25 Buddhist Monks.

The establishment of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) aimed to propagate the ideals of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The autonomous organisation was formed on March 24, 1992, and functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The DAF was tasked with implementing programs and initiatives to promote the vision and philosophy of Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar on a national scale. (ANI)

Rahul Gandhi, Kharge Condemn Deadly Nowgam Police Station Blast; Nine Killed, Dozens Injured

Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday expressed grief and concern over the deadly explosion at the Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar district, calling the incident a tragic reminder of the risks faced by security personnel engaged in sensitive investigations.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

An accidental explosion inside the Nowgam Police Station late Friday night left nine personnel dead and 32 others injured and caused extensive damage to the nearby building.In a post on X, the Congress leader called the incident “extremely heartbreaking and concerning” and said the loss of lives during an investigation underscores the dangers involved in handling high-risk material linked to ongoing terror probes.

“The explosion at the Naugam police station in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the death of several security personnel and injuries to many others, is extremely heartbreaking and concerning. Reports indicate that this horrific accident occurred during the investigation of explosives linked to the Red Fort attack. I pay humble tribute to the martyrs and hope for the swift recovery of the injured,” Rahul Gandhi wrote.

The Nowgam blast comes just days after the car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, which killed 12 people, highlighting the growing threat of terrorism in the country. The explosion occurred while officers were examining explosives suspected to be connected to the November 10 Red Fort attack case, which killed twelve people and injured several others.

Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress (INC) president, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Saturday strongly condemned the blast at a police station in Nowgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed nine lives and injured 24 people.

In a post on X, Kharge expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and called for immediate medical care for the injured. He also urged that adequate compensation be provided to the victims and their families.

“It is extremely disconcerting and sad to know that nine precious lives have been lost and 24 people have been injured in a blast at a police station in Nowgam, Jammu & Kashmir. My deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. The injured must be treated with prompt medical supervision and adequate compensation must be provided to the victims.”

Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also offered heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones in the ghastly Nowgam Police Station blast.

The Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP), Nalin Prabhat, stressed on Saturday that any speculation about the incident was unnecessary, as preliminary findings pointed to an inadvertent blast during a mandated forensic procedure.

Hours after a massive late-night explosion reduced Srinagar’s Nowgam Police Station to rubble, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday termed the tragedy an “unfortunate accidental incident.”

In an official statement, Prashant Lokhande, Joint Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Division (MHA), stated that the blast occurred at 11:20 pm on November 14 inside the police station.

Rahul Gandhi Meets Family of Martyred Navy Officer Lt. Vinay Narwal After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Rahul Gandhi

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met with the family of Navy officer Lt. Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini’s wife, Suman Saini had on Sunday paid respects to the late Navy officer at a ‘Shraddhanjali Sabha’ organised by his family members at their residence in Karnal.

Addressing reporters after the ceremony, she said, “Today is a deeply sorrowful day. The family lost their beloved son, and I pray to God to give them strength. The terror attack of April 22 is beyond condemnation. The entire nation mourns this loss.”

Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a compensation of Rs 50 lakh and a government job to the family member of Vinay Narwal.

Narwal, a native of Karnal, Haryana, was given an emotional farewell by family members last month. His father, Rajesh Narwa, and maternal uncle performed the last rites in the presence of hundreds.

Narwal’s father expressed faith in the government and said that the Union government would do justice, adding that the loss was “unbearable and irreplaceable.”

Vinay Narwal had recently tied the knot, with his wedding reception held just days earlier on April 16. Lt Narwal, who was posted in Kochi, had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir on leave and was in Pahalgam with his wife when terrorists opened fire.

The widow of the deceased naval officer bid an emotional farewell during the solemn military ceremony, remembering her late husband as a man who lived with honour and left behind a legacy of courage.

As many as 26 people were killed in the dastardly attack by terrorists on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. (ANI)

Rahul Gandhi Joins Candlelight Vigil, Backs Government Response After Pahalgam Attack; Urges Unity Against Terrorism

Rahul Gandhi

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi joined the candlelight protest organised by Congress against the Pahalgam terror attacks in Delhi.

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his residence in Srinagar on Friday in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

He also met a person injured in the attack at a hospital in Srinagar. He stated that the idea behind the attack was to divide society.

Rahul Gandhi said, “It has been a terrible tragedy. I came here to gain a sense of what’s going on and to help. The entire population of Jammu and Kashmir has condemned this terrible action and has fully supported the nation at this time. I met one of the people who is injured. My love and affection to everybody who has lost their family members. The entire nation is standing united. We had a meeting yesterday with the government.”

He said that the United Opposition condemned this action.

“We are ready to support whatever action the government wants to take. The idea behind the attack is to divide the society. It is very important that every Indian stands united so that we can defeat what the terrorists wanted to do,” he further said.

He added that it is sad to see some people attacking people from Kashmir in the rest of the country.

He said, “It is sad to see that some people are attacking my brothers and sisters from Kashmir and the rest of the country, and I think it’s very important that all of us stand together, stand united and fight this nasty action that has been taken and defeat terrorism once and for all. I also met the Chief Minister and the LG, and they briefed me about what had happened, and I assured both of them that my party and I are going to support them fully.”

Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured.

On Thursday, the Central government convened an all-party meeting to deliberate on the security situation and formulate a collective response to the attack.

After attending the all-party meeting convened by the central government, Rahul Gandhi said, “Everyone condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The opposition has given full support to the government in taking any action.”

Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism.

In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post. (ANI)

Rahul Gandhi Leaves For Srinagar After Pahalgam Attack; India Takes Strong Diplomatic Steps Against Pakistan

Rahul Gandhi

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday left for Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

Yesterday, the Central government convened an all-party meeting to deliberate on the security situation and formulate a collective response to the attack.

After attending the all-party meeting convened by the central government, Rahul Gandhi said, “Everyone condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The opposition has given full support to the government in taking any action.”

Rahul Gandhi, who was on an official visit to the United States, cut his trip short and returned to New Delhi early Thursday morning.

Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured.

Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism.

In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post.

India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack mourned the loss of their loved ones as they urged the government to take strong action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

The Indian Army is on a high alert, launching several search operations to neutralise the terrorists following the attack in Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 people were killed. (ANI)

Rahul Gandhi to Visit Kashmir Friday After Pahalgam Horror

Rahul Gandhi

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will visit Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Rahul Gandhi, who was on an official visit to the United States, cut his trip short and returned to New Delhi early Thursday morning.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also shortened their trips to Saudi Arabia and the US, respectively, in response to the attack in Pahalgam.

Earlier in the day, the Central government convened an all-party meeting to deliberate on the security situation and formulate a collective response to the attack.

Following the attack, India has taken strong countermeasures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism.

In the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, India decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism and has closed the integrated Attari Check Post.

India has also declared the officials of the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata and ordered them to leave India within a week. The country further decided to cancel any visas provided under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) and ordered Pakistan to leave the country within 48 hours.

The Government of India has also decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals, effective immediately. All existing valid visas issued by India to Pakistani nationals will stand revoked, effective from 27 April 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in a press release.

Meanwhile, families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack mourned the loss of their loved ones as they urged the government to take strong action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

Last rites of Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, were performed at his native place in Karnal. Shivamogga resident Manjunath Rao was killed in the terror attack. Family friend Dattatreya urged the government to take strong steps against terrorists.

Terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen while leaving several others injured, in one of the deadliest attacks in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. (ANI)

FIR Registered Against Rahul Gandhi for Remarks on BJP, RSS, and Indian State

Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, has landed in trouble over his recent remarks, where he stated that “the BJP and RSS have captured every single institution, and we are now fighting the BJP, the RSS, and the Indian State itself”.

An FIR has been registered against him at the Pan Bazar Police Station in Guwahati.

Rahul Gandhi made the statement on January 15, 2025, during the inauguration of the Congress Party’s new headquarter at Kotla Road in Delhi. The FIR was registered under section 152 and 197(1)d of the BNS for “acts endangering sovereignty unity and integrity of India,” a cognizable and non-bailable office.

The complainant, Monjit Chetia, alleged that Gandhi’s statement crossed the limits of permissible free speech and posed a serious threat to public order and national security.

Chetia claimed that Gandhi’s words were an attempt to delegitimize the authority of the State, creating a dangerous narrative that could provoke unrest and separatist sentiments.

“By declaring that his fight is against the “Indian State itself,” the accused has consciously incited subversive activities and rebellion among the populace. This is an attempt to delegitimize the authority of the State and to portray it as a hostile force, thereby creating a dangerous narrative that could provoke unrest and separatist sentiments,” Chetia said in his complaints according to the FIR.

Chetia also suggested that Gandhi’s remarks were motivated by frustration over repeated electoral failures. As the Leader of Opposition, Gandhi has a responsibility to maintain public confidence in democratic institutions, but instead, he chose to exploit his platform to spread falsehoods and provoke rebellion, endangering the unity and sovereignty of India.

“Having been unable to gain public trust through democratic means, the accused now seeks to incite disaffection against the central government and the Indian State. This behavior is particularly alarming, given his position as the Leader of the Opposition, a role that comes with the responsibility to maintain public confidence in democratic institutions. Instead, the accused has chosen to exploit his platform to spread falsehoods and provoke rebellion, endangering the unity and sovereignty of India,” the complainant said.

Chetia complained that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks represent a direct challenge to the integrity and stability of the Indian State, warranting immediate legal action under Section 152 of the BNS. (ANI)