On Sunday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized the BJP-led government, accusing it of remaining a “mute spectator” amid what he described as “continuous attacks” on minorities, particularly Muslims. He demanded that the government take strict action against the “anarchist elements” responsible for these incidents.
Gandhi’s remarks came in response to two recent incidents of mob violence in BJP-ruled states, Haryana and Maharashtra. On August 27, a Muslim migrant from West Bengal was allegedly beaten to death by cow vigilantes in Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri over suspicions that he had eaten beef. Another person was injured in the attack. In Maharashtra, an elderly man was assaulted and abused on a train on suspicion of carrying beef while traveling to Kalyan.
Sharing screenshots and videos of these incidents, which have circulated widely on social media, Gandhi condemned those who “have climbed the ladder of power by using hatred as a political weapon,” accusing them of establishing a “rule of fear” across the country. He stated, “The hateful elements hiding in the form of the mob are openly spreading violence, challenging the rule of law. These miscreants have got a free hand from the BJP government, that is why they have developed the courage to do so.”
Gandhi said that there are ongoing attacks on minorities, especially Muslims, and criticized the government for merely watching these events unfold. He called for the strictest action against those responsible for such violence, asserting that “the authority of the law should be established.”
He further declared that any attack on India’s communal unity or the rights of its citizens is an attack on the Constitution, which he and his party would not tolerate. Gandhi concluded his statement by pledging to continue the “historic battle to unite India against hatred” despite the BJP’s efforts.
