National Desk, 21st February: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi ignited controversy on Tuesday by indirectly criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, alleging that he ‘witnessed individuals lying on the streets after consuming alcohol’.
While addressing a gathering in his former constituency, Amethi, during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Gandhi implied that the ‘future of Uttar Pradesh is in revelry’ with individuals consuming alcohol at night. He remarked, ‘I visited Varanasi and observed music being played at night. I witnessed individuals lying on the streets after alcohol consumption.
The future of Uttar Pradesh is engaged in merriment after consuming alcohol at night.’ He went on to say, ‘On the contrary, there is the Ram Temple where PM Modi, accompanied by Ambani and Adani, will be present. You will see all of India’s billionaires, yet not a single backward or Dalit individual will be visible.’ Union Minister and BJP MP from Amethi, Smriti Irani, rebuked Gandhi for his statements and questioned his upbringing.
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has recently faced criticism for his remarks about Uttar Pradesh. His comments have been labeled as ‘venomous’ and ‘objectionable’ by critics.
Gandhi reportedly declined an invitation to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple and made derogatory remarks about Varanasi and the youth of Uttar Pradesh. Smriti Irani, a vocal critic of Gandhi, remarked that the future of the Congress party appears bleak, while Uttar Pradesh is progressing towards development.
She advised Sonia Gandhi to either offer better guidance to her son or urge him to refrain from making such remarks. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh minister Dinesh Pratap Singh has called for Gandhi to issue an apology for his comments.