'Stop Hitting Own Foot': Pankaj Chaudhary Slams Rahul Gandhi Over PM Modi, Mohan Bhagwat Remarks
Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary criticizes Rahul Gandhi's comments on PM Modi and Mohan Bhagwat, calling them self-destructive for Congress.
Union Minister of State for Finance and Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, specifically targeting Rahul Gandhi for his recent comments regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. In a candid interview with ANI, Chaudhary suggested that Rahul Gandhi is in desperate need of "good advice" to steer his political rhetoric in a more productive direction.
'Striking an Axe on His Own Foot'
Chaudhary expressed deep concern over the manner in which Rahul Gandhi addresses the nation and the international community. He argued that the current trajectory of the Congress leader's discourse is counterproductive to the party's own interests.
"The way they talk about PM Modi and Mohan Bhagwat, they are only striking an axe on one's own foot," Chaudhary remarked, using the phrase 'apne pair par kulhadi marne ka kaam kar raha hai' to describe the self-destructive nature of the remarks.
The Union Minister further commented on the influence within the party, suggesting that the alignment with communist leaders might leave the Youth Congress sidelined and ineffective.
The Backdrop: Allegations of 'Vote Chori'
The BJP leader's outburst comes in response to recent accusations made by Rahul Gandhi. During a protest where the INDIA bloc's march toward the Election Commission was halted by Delhi Police, Gandhi had leveled serious allegations against high-profile figures.
Gandhi had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of allegedly "hijacking" the electoral process through "vote chori" (vote theft). He went as far as to describe the situation as "treason," warning that those responsible would be held accountable and that none of the named individuals would be spared.
BJP's Strategy for Upcoming Elections
Shifting the focus to the electoral battlefield, Pankaj Chaudhary also addressed speculations regarding the BJP's candidate selection process for upcoming polls. He firmly rejected rumors that the party had a fixed formula to drop a specific percentage—such as 40% or 50%—of sitting MLAs.
Winnability Over Formulas
Chaudhary emphasized that the primary objective of the BJP is victory, and candidates will be chosen based on a comprehensive set of criteria rather than a rigid quota. These factors include:
- Winnability: The overall prospect of the candidate winning the seat.
- Representation: Ensuring a balanced mix of candidates.
- Caste Equations: Analyzing the social demographics of the constituencies.
- Women's Representation: Increasing the participation of women in the electoral process.
A Party of Collective Decision-Making
Contrasting the BJP with its opponents, Chaudhary asserted that the BJP is not driven by a single individual or a family dynasty. He highlighted the party's organizational strength, stating that decisions are made after consulting various levels of the hierarchy, including district heads.
"I am telling you that my party is not a party of a family, a person, or a couple. If we make any decision, then there is a community," Chaudhary stated, stressing that all inputs are valued before final candidates are announced.
The political temperature remains high in Uttar Pradesh, which features 403 Assembly seats. As the state looks toward the 2027 contest, a fierce battle is expected between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party, while the Congress continues its efforts to regain a stronger foothold in the region.