The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a fierce attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks in the United States, branding him a “black spot” on Indian democracy on Monday. Gaurav Bhatia, the national spokesperson for the BJP, accused Gandhi of attempting to undermine Indian democracy through his comments abroad, allegedly in line with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Congress and the Chinese Communist Party during the UPA regime.

“Rahul Gandhi is widely recognised as an immature, part-time leader. Yet, the responsibility on his shoulders as the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha is significant,” Bhatia said during a press conference at the BJP headquarters. 

“It saddens me to say this, but Rahul Gandhi has become a black spot on Indian democracy. He doesn’t even seem to know how to conduct himself on international visits,” he added in response to questions about Gandhi’s criticism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at a US event.

In Dallas, Gandhi criticises RSS 

In his address to the Indian-American community in Dallas, Gandhi remarked that Indian politics lacks love, respect, and humility. He also took aim at the RSS, claiming the organisation believes India is “one idea.” During his interaction at the University of Texas, Gandhi stressed the importance of boosting manufacturing in India, noting that while India, the U.S., and other Western countries struggle with unemployment, China dominates global production. He argued that India, with its vast talent pool, could compete with China by aligning itself with global manufacturing.

Bhatia, in a sharp rebuke, claimed Gandhi refuses to criticise China. “He weakens India… He stands with China,” Bhatia said, further alleging that the Congress signed a “party-to-party MoU with China” during its time in power.

“The ongoing attempts by Rahul Gandhi to weaken Indian democracy stem from that MoU. If I am wrong, I challenge Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to make the MoU public,” Bhatia declared.

With inputs from PTI