New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI) – Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of diverting attention from pressing national issues such as inflation and unemployment by making Sonia Gandhi’s remarks about President Droupadi Murmu an election issue.
Speaking at a public rally in Seemapuri, Priyanka Gandhi criticized both PM Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, alleging they were "slaves of big industrialists."
Priyanka Defends Sonia Gandhi, Slams Modi’s Election Strategy
The controversy erupted after Sonia Gandhi’s offhand remark about President Murmu post her Parliament addresson Friday. In a viral video, Sonia Gandhi was heard saying that Murmu was "getting very tired by the end… She could hardly speak, poor thing." Modi later accused the Congress' "shahi parivar" of disrespecting the President, demanding an apology.Priyanka Gandhi, however, dismissed the claim, saying,
"Modi ji tried to make this an election issue. An elderly woman was expressing sympathy for another elderly woman, saying the President would have been tired after delivering an hour-long speech. How is this an insult?"
She further accused the BJP government of ignoring real problems plaguing the common people, such as high inflation, unemployment, and issues faced by pensioners and sanitation workers.
"You are insulting the people of this country by focusing on such trivial matters instead of solving their struggles," she said.
Congress Leader Attacks BJP on Inflation and GST
Priyanka Gandhi also took aim at the government's economic policies, particularly the Goods and Services Tax (GST)."The government has imposed GST on everything—school uniforms, socks, shoes, sarees, bindis, and books. Petrol and diesel prices are skyrocketing. But when the Budget was announced, not a single word was mentioned about inflation,"she said, criticizing the recent Union Budget 2024 for overlooking the financial distress of ordinary citizens.
"Scolding Modi Will Land You in Jail"
Comparing leadership styles, Priyanka recounted how her father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, used to interact directly with citizens and accept criticism."Rajiv Gandhi would go among the people and get scolded if work was left incomplete. But try scolding PM Modi today, and you will be put in jail!" she claimed, citing incidents where women protesters in Uttar Pradesh faced police action for demonstrating.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Dig at BJP’s Historical Ideology
Taking a swipe at the RSS and BJP, Priyanka Gandhi questioned their role in India's freedom struggle, alleging that some members of their ideological lineage collaborated with the British."Someone from jail is writing letters begging to be released, saying, ‘We will be your slaves.’ Some were helping the British, and that’s why they don’t understand the essence of this country," she said, in an apparent dig at BJP leaders.
She urged voters to protect the Constitution, calling it the ultimate "shield" for the people.
"This Constitution gives you equal rights, reservation, and the same vote as the Prime Minister. Protect it, and it will protect you."
AAP and BJP: "Two Sides of the Same Coin"
Shifting focus to the Delhi government, Priyanka Gandhi attacked Arvind Kejriwal, calling his politics a "façade of honesty.""Kejriwal claimed to be honest, but what happened? The liquor scam! Modi also says he’s honest and calls Congress corrupt. But what honesty has he shown in 10 years? He handed over India’s resources to Adani and Ambani," she alleged.
She criticized both AAP and BJP, branding them as two sides of the same coin, enriching big business houses while spending public money on propaganda.
"Kejriwal built a ‘sheesh mahal’ for himself, and Modi built a ‘raj mahal’ worth ₹20,000 crore during COVID. Both are using your hard-earned money to create a luxury for themselves," she said.
"Modi's Time is Running Out"
Ending on a defiant note, Priyanka Gandhi declared that the public would eventually reject Modi’s leadership."He says he will leave with just a jhola (bag), but that time is coming soon," she said.
With election season heating up, Priyanka Gandhi’s aggressive stance signals Congress’ intensified attack on both BJP and AAP, as the party seeks to regain lost ground in Delhi and beyond.