BJP chief Nitin Nabin calls Rahul Gandhi 'Rahu' of Indian politics over 'traitor' remark
Synopsis
BJP President Nitin Nabin invoked Hindu astrological imagery, calling Rahul Gandhi the ‘Rahu’ of Indian politics — a planet associated with malevolence — after Gandhi accused Modi and Shah of being ‘traitors’ at a Rae Bareli rally. The exchange signals a sharp escalation in BJP-Congress rhetoric, with Nabin warning Gandhi will ‘pay a huge price’ for the remarks.
Key Takeaways
BJP President Nitin Nabin on 20 May called Rahul Gandhi the ‘Rahu’ of Indian politics at a press conference in New Delhi .
Rahul Gandhi had alleged at a Rae Bareli rally that PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were ‘traitors’ who worked to ‘sell India.’ Nabin said Gandhi’s remarks insulted ‘ 140 crore people of this country,’ not just the Prime Minister.
The BJP chief accused Congress of corruption in power and alleged the party’s past governments stayed silent when soldiers were killed.
Nabin warned Gandhi will ‘pay a huge price’ for what he called ‘unfortunate remarks.’
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin on Wednesday, 20 May launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi, the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, labelling him the 'Rahu' of Indian politics and accusing him of “polluting the atmosphere of the country’s politics.” The remarks came hours after Gandhi, addressing a rally in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah “traitors” who had worked to “sell India.”
What Nabin Said at the Press Conference
Addressing reporters in New Delhi, BJP chief Nabin called Gandhi’s remarks “very unfortunate,” arguing they amounted to an insult not just to the Prime Minister but to all 140 crore citizens of India. “Whenever you have insulted PM Modi, the people of the country have made him win,” Nabin said.
Nabin further characterised Gandhi’s statement as a reflection of what he described as an “archist mentality,” attributing the remarks to what he called “continuous defeats and frustration.” He said: “I believe that continuous defeats and frustration are reflected in his nature and character, and this helplessness and frustration are coming out in such words today.”
Attack on Congress and Gandhi’s Ancestry
The BJP president widened his criticism to the Indian National Congress (Congress) as a party, alleging that “Gandhi’s ancestors have always worked towards mortgaging the country and not for motivating the defence forces.” He also accused the Congress of indulging in corruption each time the party held power at the Centre.
Nabin further alleged that during previous Congress-led governments, the administration “remained silent even when our soldiers were beheaded,” contrasting that with what he described as the dignity afforded to the armed forces under Modi’s tenure.
BJP Defends Modi’s Security Record
Nabin praised Prime Minister Modi for what he characterised as ending terrorist activities across the country and bringing a measure of accountability to India’s neighbourhood. Referring obliquely to Pakistan, he said: “Today, somewhere our neighbouring country has been brought to its knees.”
He also questioned the premise of Gandhi’s attack, asking: “Is it wrong to end Naxalism or can protecting the country be tagged as being a traitor?”
Warning to Gandhi
Nabin concluded by warning that Gandhi “will have to pay a huge price” for what the BJP has characterised as “unfortunate remarks.” The exchange marks a fresh escalation in the ongoing war of words between the ruling BJP and the principal opposition ahead of what analysts describe as an increasingly combative political season.
Point of View
Signalling this is being treated as a party-political battle rather than a governmental one. Gandhi’s ‘traitor’ charge, made at a Rae Bareli rally, is itself a high-stakes gambit in a constituency with deep Congress roots. Both sides are clearly calibrating their rhetoric for a base-mobilisation exercise, and the escalating language suggests neither party sees restraint as electorally rewarding right now.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Rahul Gandhi say that triggered BJP’s response?
Rahul Gandhi, speaking at a rally in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah ‘traitors’ who had worked to ‘sell India.’ The remark drew an immediate and sharp rebuke from BJP President Nitin Nabin.
What did BJP President Nitin Nabin say about Rahul Gandhi?
Nabin called Gandhi the ‘Rahu’ of Indian politics — invoking a Hindu astrological body associated with malevolence — and accused him of polluting the country’s political atmosphere. He also said Gandhi’s remarks reflected an ‘anarchist mentality’ born of ‘continuous defeats and frustration.’
Why did Nabin say Gandhi insulted 140 crore Indians?
Nabin argued that attacking Prime Minister Modi amounted to insulting the entire Indian electorate that voted him to power. He said: ‘Whenever you have insulted PM Modi, the people of the country have made him win.’
What allegations did Nabin make against the Congress party?
Nabin alleged that Congress governments had historically ‘mortgaged’ the country rather than strengthening its defences, remained silent when soldiers were killed, and indulged in corruption each time the party held power at the Centre.
What warning did Nabin issue to Rahul Gandhi?
Nabin said Gandhi ‘will have to pay a huge price’ for what the BJP has called his ‘unfortunate remarks,’ though he did not specify what form that consequence would take.
