Rahul Gandhi today sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government, accusing them of entrapping India in a modern-day 'chakravyuh' of fear, reminiscent of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Speaking in Parliament, Gandhi alleged that the country is being run by a select few, symbolized by the lotus, the BJP's emblem, and creating an atmosphere of fear.
"Thousands of years ago, in Kurukshetra, six people trapped Abhimanyu in a 'chakravyuh' and killed him. I researched and learned that 'chakravyuh' is also known as 'padmavuyh' - which means 'Lotus formation'. The 'chakravyuh' is in the shape of a Lotus," Gandhi said during a debate on the Union Budget presented last week.
"In the 21st century, a new 'chakravyuh' has been formed - that too in the form of a Lotus. Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) wears its symbol on his chest. What was done with Abhimanyu is now being done with India - with the youth, farmers, women, small and medium businesses of the country."
Gandhi went on to name six individuals at the heart of this 'chakravyuh': Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and industrialists Ambani and Adani. Amid protests and intervention from Speaker Om Birla, Gandhi revised his statement, focusing on Modi, Shah, and Bhagwat.
"The 'chakravyuh' that has captured India has three forces behind it," Gandhi said, elaborating on the concentration of financial power, control over institutions like the CBI, ED, and IT Department, and the political executive. He accused these elements of devastating the country, particularly targeting the youth through schemes like Agniveer and highlighting the absence of pension provisions in the Budget for Agniveers.
Gandhi emphasized the need for a caste census and guaranteed legal MSP as solutions to break the 'chakravyuh'. He further alleged that the Budget failed to address 'tax terrorism' and has been detrimental to small businesses, farmers, and the labor force, reinforcing monopoly capitalism and political control.
Continuing his attack on social media, Gandhi accused the government of trapping various sections of society, including youth, farmers, the middle class, MSMEs, soldiers, and marginalized communities, in different 'chakravyuhs'. He highlighted the inadequate education budget, which at 2.5% is the lowest in 20 years, as an example of the government's failure to address critical issues.
Gandhi assured that the INDIA bloc is committed to breaking this 'chakravyuh' and replacing the atmosphere of fear with equal opportunity, justice, and freedom. He warned the BJP not to underestimate India's youth, likening them to Arjun, who will break free from this entrapment.
Â
