New Delhi [India], December 30: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a strong attack on Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of traveling abroad to celebrate while the nation mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The BJP also alleged that the Congress party had “abused and insulted” Dr. Singh during his lifetime.
“While the country observes seven days of mourning for the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi has flown abroad to welcome the New Year,” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X. “Congress has shown no respect for Dr. Singh, having insulted him throughout his life. Even in death, they denied him the Bharat Ratna, exposing their true nature.”
Poonawalla further criticized Rahul Gandhi for prioritizing “tourism” over the nation’s grief, adding, “For Rahul Gandhi, ‘paryatan’ is nothing new. He was partying during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, and now, at a time of national mourning, he chooses to travel abroad.”
BJP leader Amit Malviya also joined the attack, accusing Rahul Gandhi of exploiting Dr. Singh’s death for political gain. “Rahul Gandhi flew to Vietnam to ring in the New Year while the nation mourned. His actions reveal his deep contempt for Dr. Singh,” Malviya wrote on X. He also made controversial remarks about the Congress party’s attitude toward Sikhs, invoking the historical context of Indira Gandhi’s actions during Operation Blue Star.
In response, Congress MP Manickam Tagore dismissed the BJP’s criticism as “diversion politics.” He accused the BJP of trying to shift attention away from their own actions, including alleged mistreatment of Dr. Singh’s family. “When will the Sanghis stop their ‘diversion politics’? If Rahul Gandhi is traveling privately, why does it bother you?” Tagore posted on X.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26 at the age of 92, was cremated with full state honors at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi. His family, friends, colleagues, and government dignitaries attended the ceremony.