BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi, terms his speech ‘rhetoric of a loser’

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday termed Rahul Gandhi’s speech at the 84^th plenary session of the Congress as “rhetoric of a loser devoid of substance.”

Addressing party workers at the 84th Congress Plenary Session at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi launched scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and its president Amit Shah.

Minutes after his speech, BJP fielded country’s defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman to launch the counter-offensive.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s remark against BJP president Amit Shah, Sitharaman said, "It is astonishing that the Congress president chooses to name the president of BJP and says he is a murder accused. He has been cleared by a court.”

In his 53-minute speech, Rahul Gandhi had said, "They (people) will accept a man accused of murder as the president of BJP, but the people will never accept the same in the Congress party.

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Accusing Congress party of mocking the Hindus, the defence minister took on the Gandhi scion for likening the BJP with Kauravas of Mahabharat.

“Congress Party wants to identify itself with the Pandavas, the same party which questioned the fundamental existence of Lord Ram. It is the party which chooses to mock Hindus and Hindu rituals,” the BJP leader said.

Rahul Gandhi had said, “The Kauravas were powerful and arrogant. The Pandavas were humble and fought for the truth. Like the Kauravas, BJP and RSS are designed to fight for power. Like the Pandavas, Congress is designed to fight for truth.”

Alleging that the Congress doesn’t believe in transparency, Sitharaman attacked the party for urging Elections Commission to switch back to ballot papers.

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“Congress is even questioning the EVMs at this time, they want ballot paper system. At a time when technology is making it simpler & more transparent, here is a party that is against it because they don't believe in transparency,” she added.

Another Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also slammed the Congress President and said, “Rahul Gandhi's rant was shameful. The way he spoke of judiciary was irresponsible.”

Rahul had said, “BJP has spread fear. People from press are scared, for the first time we saw four Supreme Court judges running to public for justice. There is a difference between RSS and Congress, we respect the country's institutions whereas they want to finish them. They only want one institution, that is RSS.”