Festive Turn Political: Rahul Gandhi’s Diwali Milan Becomes Launchpad for BJP Attack
Congress leaders use Rahul Gandhi's Diwali Milan to slam the BJP over Delhi pollution, citizenship concerns, and political protests.
What began as a traditional festive gathering at the residence of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, quickly evolved into a high-voltage political offensive. During the Rahul Gandhi Diwali Milan on Friday, senior Congress leaders utilized the occasion to launch a scathing critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), focusing on governance failures, the air quality crisis in the capital, and concerns over citizenship.
The 'Role Reversal' Spectacle
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot sparked a heated debate by questioning the BJP's recent strategy of organizing nationwide street demonstrations. Gehlot pointed out the inherent irony of a party that holds the reins of power at the Centre taking to the streets to protest.
He argued that demanding accountability is the fundamental duty of the Opposition, not the ruling party. According to Gehlot, the current political climate has seen a bizarre reversal of roles over the last 80 years.
"For the first time in 80 years, we are witnessing a reversal of roles: the ruling party—rather than the opposition—has taken to the streets to protest, calling to 'save democracy' and 'end anarchy,'" Gehlot remarked.
He further criticized the participation of Union ministers, chief ministers, and state party presidents in these protests, suggesting that such actions reduce the dignity of executive positions and have become a subject of public ridicule.
Concerns Over Citizenship and Voter Lists
Adding to the political heat, Congress leader Pawan Khera raised alarms regarding the Special Summary Revision (SIR) process. Khera alleged that the administrative exercise is more than just a routine update, framing it as a potential tool for disenfranchisement.
Khera warned that the verification drives and voter list revisions could be used to strip citizens of their constitutional rights and legal status. He expressed fears that this process could lead to the loss of essential documentation, such as birth and death certificates, which in turn would block access to government schemes and social security benefits.
"If you are no longer even recognised as an Indian, what will you be left with?" Khera questioned, describing the process as a conspiracy against the common citizen.
The Smog Crisis: No More Excuses
As the National Capital Region (NCR) continues to choke under a thick blanket of seasonal smog, Congress leader Udit Raj turned the spotlight on the ruling administration's failure to manage the air pollution crisis.
Udit Raj argued that the BJP can no longer deflect blame onto neighboring states or previous governments. He highlighted that since the BJP currently controls the central government, the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and various local municipal bodies, the responsibility for the public health hazard lies solely with them.
He specifically dismissed the common justification regarding stubble burning from outside the city, stating that the government has failed at every institutional level to protect the residents of Delhi from severe pollution.