In an exclusive interview with India Today's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra defended her party against BJP's allegations of being "anti-Hindu." She emphasized the Congress's historical commitment to Hindu principles and highlighted the contributions of its leaders during India's freedom struggle.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra dismissed the BJP's accusations by recalling Mahatma Gandhi's legacy, particularly his last words, "Hey Ram," when he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948. She stated, "We have been branded as an anti-Hindu party since the BJP came to power. Who is our party's biggest leader? Mahatma Gandhi. The freedom struggle was based on his principles of 'satya' (truth) and 'ahimsa' (non-violence). This movement was based on the teachings of the Hindu religion."
She further cited the sacrifices made by Congress leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, who spent years in jail for the nation's independence. "When Mahatma Gandhi was hit by three bullets, his last words were 'Hey Ram'. How can we become an anti-Hindu party? We can't be one," she asserted.
When questioned about the Congress's decision to skip the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra clarified that the BJP received the invitation, and attending the ceremony should not be viewed through a political lens. She argued that the BJP's approach to such issues is politically motivated, whereas the Congress's guarantees and commitments are inclusive and for everyone, regardless of religion.
In response to the BJP's vote bank politics and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan "Modi ki guarantee," she retorted, "Our guarantees are for everyone, irrespective of any religion." This statement underscores the Congress's stance on secularism and its commitment to serving all communities in India.
