Union Ministers Slam Rahul Gandhi Over Raid Remark Amid Wayanad Tragedy

Union Ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and Jyotiraditya Scindia criticized Rahul Gandhi for his claim of an impending raid, alleging it distracts from the Wayanad landslide tragedy where over 300 people died. Meghwal and Scindia accused Gandhi of diverting attention and spreading false information.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has launched a fervent critique against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following Gandhi's assertion that a 'raid is being planned.' Meghwal accused Gandhi of making baseless allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to divert attention from the tragic Wayanad landslides that claimed over 300 lives. 'The people of Wayanad demand a report from IIT Delhi. The Central Government has provided information, so why does he not understand the gravity of the situation?' Meghwal questioned.

The Minister's remarks come in the wake of Gandhi's declaration on Friday that 'insiders' within the Enforcement Directorate informed him of an imminent raid. 'Apparently, some did not appreciate my Chakravyuh speech. ED insiders tell me a raid is being planned. Waiting with open arms @dir_ed... Chai and biscuits on me,' Gandhi posted on X.

The death toll from the July 30 landslides in Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad stands at 308, according to Kerala Health Minister Veena George. As of Friday, 215 bodies and 143 body parts have been recovered, with 148 bodies identified by relatives. Post-mortem procedures have been completed on 212 bodies and 140 body parts.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also criticized Gandhi, suggesting that those who mislead and lie are uncomfortable with the nation's progress. 'People who have policies of misguidance and feel jealousy rather than pride in the country's development make such negative statements,' Scindia asserted during a press conference in Gwalior on Saturday. He further accused the Congress of fostering negative ideology and creating discord among citizens.

Scindia pointed to Congress's poor performance in recent elections, noting that the party has not won a single seat in 13 states. 'If we combine the number of seats won by Congress in the 2014, 2019, and upcoming 2024 general elections, it still does not match BJP's current tally,' Scindia remarked.

(With inputs from agencies.)