Congress leader Digvijaya Singh stirred controversy by praising the BJP and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Singh’s social media post featuring a photo of PM Narendra Modi and BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani triggered the debate on RSS’s influence on leadership. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the Congress, stating that the party has “lost its mental balance” over Singh’s remarks.
Poonawalla highlighted the ideological differences, questioning Congress leader Manickam Tagore’s comments on the RSS. He pointed out instances where the Congress viewed individuals like Afzal Guru and Yakub Memon as martyrs but labeled nationalist organizations as terrorists. Poonawalla emphasized the Congress’s history of insulting nationalist institutions and traditions, accusing the party of ideological emptiness.
The BJP spokesperson further challenged the Congress leadership’s actions, citing historical events involving nationalist organizations. He questioned the party’s stance on terrorism and patriotism, contrasting it with past leaders’ acknowledgments of organizations like the RSS. Poonawalla criticized the Congress for its divisive stance on issues related to nationalism and its contradictory positions on various socio-political matters.
In response to the situation in Bangladesh, the BJP spokesperson condemned the attacks on Hindus, Christians, and Scheduled Castes. He criticized the secular lobby for its selective activism, pointing out the disparity in responses to violence in different regions. Poonawalla accused certain leaders of undermining India’s image by drawing false comparisons with Bangladesh and opposing legislation like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
