“Rahul Gandhi should think about India’s image…”: Rajyavardhan Rathore on Priyanka Gandhi’s remarks

Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], October 30 (ANI): Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the United States, and said that he should consider the country’s image while he is abroad.

The Bharatiya Janata Party leader was reacting to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s statement that some political parties were building up a ‘conspiracy’ to spoil the image of her brother Rahul Gandhi.

“Massive campaign was launched against him (Rahul Gandhi) and for the last 10 years, BJP put all their resources in trying to create a picture of him which was inaccurate,” Priyanka Gandhi said.

Responding to Priyanka Gandhi’s comments, Rathore said, “Everyone is welcome in democracy – be it Rahul or Priyanka, they too are welcome. But Priyanka ji says that attempts were made to impact her brother’s image, we would like to tell her that when Rahul Gandhi goes abroad, he should think about the image of India.”

“His mother and father did that, but why is the son going a different path? The one who has gone astray should be brought back to the path by his sister,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi had stirred a political storm over his remarks in the US earlier leading to a war of words between Congress and BJP.

In an interaction with the Indian diaspora in the US, Rahul Gandhi said that the fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban in India and would be able to visit a Gurdwara.

He also reiterated the need for a caste census, arguing that 90 percent of the country’s population–OBCs, Dalits, and Adivasis–lacks adequate representation, which he described as the “elephant in the room.”

Lok Sabha LoP had defended his remarks and accused the BJP of resorting to lies and making desperate attempts to silence him.

Rahul Gandhi said he will always speak up for the values that define India.

“I want to ask every Sikh brother and sister in India and abroad: Is there anything wrong with what I have said? Shouldn’t India be a country where every Sikh–and every Indian–can freely practice their religion without fear?” he asked.

“As usual, the BJP is resorting to lies. They are desperate to silence me because they cannot stand the truth. But I will always speak up for the values that define India: our unity in diversity, equality, and love,” he added.