Reflects his anarchic mindset: BJP on Rahul calling PM Modi 'traitor'

The BJP has demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi after he called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah "traitors" at an event in his Lok Sabha constituency.

The ruling BJP lashed out at Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday over his ''traitor'' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the Congress leader's words reflect his anarchic mindset and character.

BJP president Nitin Nabin said Gandhi's remarks were an insult for the 140 crore people of the country and demanded an apology from him.

Nabin called Gandhi the ''Rahu'' of Indian politics, alleging that the Congress leader has been ''polluting and contaminating'' the country's political atmosphere with his mindset and behaviour.

In Indian astrology, Rahu is considered by many as a malefic shadow planet that creates confusion and obstructions.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) sharp retort came after Gandhi called Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah ''traitors'' while launching an attack on them on various issues at an event in his Lok Sabha constituency of Raebareli on Wednesday.

Reacting sharply to Gandhi's remarks, Nabin said, ''The kind of statement he gave clearly reflects his anarchic mindset and character. The remarks also reflect his frustration and disappointment with his party facing defeats in elections.''.

''I also believe that he is losing his mental balance,'' the BJP chief told reporters here.

He termed Gandhi's remarks ''unfortunate'' and said they were an insult to the 140 crore people of the country.

''The man who has put a curb on terror incidents, ended Naxalism, enhanced the tiranga's (tricolour) respect, for such a person you will use such kind of words?'' Nabin asked.

He said Gandhi should apologise to the people of the country.

''I believe you are the Rahu of Indian politics and you make politics in India polluted and dirty. Rahul Gandhiji, your remarks are very unfortunate. You have not only insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi but also the 140 crore people of this country.

''Perhaps, you do not learn lessons from the past. Whenever you have insulted Narendra Modi, the people of this country have made him victorious. If you do not apologise to the 140 crore people of this country, they will again teach you a lesson,'' Nabin said.

The Congress will have to pay a ''heavy price'' for Gandhi's remarks against the prime minister in the upcoming polls, he added.

Nabin alleged that whenever the Congress was in power, the governance was deeply immersed in corruption.

''The Modi government is working with a policy of zero tolerance against corruption. Your (Gandhi's) ancestors mortgaged this country's land and conscience and never boosted the morale of our soldiers. Under Modi's leadership, the country's land has been secured and the people's conscience also strengthened,'' he said.

''You remained silent when a soldier's head was cut off. Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the Indian armed forces have got the opportunity to work with self-respect,'' he added.

The BJP chief also alleged that the Congress has become a ''private limited company'' of Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari shared a video on X, in which Gandhi is purportedly heard asking people attending a public rally to tell Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) members that Modi and Shah are ''traitors'' who have ''sold the country'' and attacked the Constitution and national icons.

''You will have to stand up and fight. When RSS workers come to your homes and talk about Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, you must tell them that their organisation, Modi and Shah are traitors. They have worked towards selling our country and attacked our Constitution, Ambedkarji and Mahatma Gandhi,'' Gandhi is heard saying in the video.

In a video posted on X, Bhandari said Gandhi's remarks reflect the mindset of ''urban Naxals'' and alleged that the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha is acting against the country's interests.

''Rahul Gandhi has called 140 crore Indians traitors. This tells you that his remote control is with anti-India forces,'' he said.

Bhandari further alleged that Gandhi is angry because ''India is united'' under Modi and accused him of targeting the Indian state itself.

''His language is that of an urban Naxal who is irritated and angry that under Prime Minister Modi, India is united. Rahul Gandhi has in the past said that he wants to fight the Indian state,'' the BJP spokesperson alleged.

He also alleged that Gandhi's language resembles that used by ''terrorists in Pakistan'' and accused him of furthering the agenda of ''anti-India forces''.

''Whether it is Rahul Gandhi or terrorists in Pakistan, the language of both is similar because Rahul Gandhi is fulfilling the agenda of anti-India forces in India,'' Bhandari said.

He also claimed that Pakistan-based militant Hafiz Saeed had in the past expressed support for a Congress-led government in India.

''His (Gandhi's) statement is an insult to Indian democracy and the Indian state and proves that he is nothing but a fringe leader,'' Bhandari said.