Union Minister JP Nadda delivered a pointed critique of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi before the INDIA bloc’s significant rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. He emphasised that India is “not a banana republic” where chaos and attempts at regime change can be easily orchestrated. Nadda accused Gandhi of engaging in disruptive politics aimed at destabilising a democratically elected government. His comments were made in the context of the opposition’s gathering, which was reportedly aimed at protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Nadda asserted that the opposition was misusing the banner of democracy to incite unrest in the capital, disrupt business activities, and damage India’s international reputation. He further alleged that Gandhi had insulted India during his travels abroad, targeting the nation’s democratic institutions and economic stability upon his return.

Allegations of Anarchy and Disruption

The Union Minister characterised the INDIA bloc’s rally as a “thoughtless and carefully orchestrated political drama,” suggesting that it was a tactic employed by leaders who have been consistently rejected by the electorate. Nadda claimed that the event was part of a broader conspiracy intended to undermine the elected government, disrupt Delhi’s economy, and tarnish the country’s image.

He outlined what he termed as Gandhi’s political strategy, which he claimed involved spreading misinformation, inciting disorder, harming the economy, and seeking to destabilise the government under foreign influence. Nadda accused the Congress party of prioritising destruction over development and asserted that the public was becoming increasingly aware of these tactics.

Concluding his statements, Nadda maintained that India’s governance would adhere to the Constitution and the people’s mandate, rather than what he described as the Congress’s riot-based approach to politics. He suggested that the rally would signify a critical moment in the decline of the Congress party’s political influence.

Controversy Surrounding Rally Date

Nadda also questioned the timing of the INDIA bloc’s rally, which coincided with the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He accused the Congress of insensitivity towards the Sikh community by choosing this date for a political event. The minister described the riots as a dark chapter in India’s democratic history, alleging that Congress-backed individuals had perpetrated violence against innocent Sikhs, resulting in widespread suffering.

He referenced the Widow Colony in Delhi as a lasting reminder of the violence and claimed that the Gandhi family had never genuinely apologised for the historical injustices faced by the Sikh community. Nadda alleged that Gandhi was using the anniversary of the riots to further his political agenda rather than honouring the victims.

Impact on Delhi’s Business Community

In addition to his political criticisms, Nadda expressed concern over the potential disruption to business in Delhi due to the large political gathering during the festive season. He highlighted the significance of this period for small traders, street vendors, and shopkeepers, who rely on festivals such as Dhanteras, Diwali, and Chhath Puja for a substantial portion of their annual income.

Nadda claimed that the rally could adversely affect their livelihoods and accused Gandhi of being indifferent to the economic challenges faced by small businesses. He cited representations from the Chamber of Trade and Industry, which had urged opposition leaders not to hold large gatherings during this crucial time.

According to Nadda, previous protests had already resulted in losses of approximately Rs 3,000 crore for traders in Delhi, and he warned that the upcoming rally could lead to losses exceeding Rs 10,000 crore. He specifically mentioned commercial areas such as Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Khari Baoli, and Karol Bagh, noting that many small traders in these regions could be impacted.

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