N.V. Subhash, grandson of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, has accused the Congress of deliberately marginalising his grandfather's contributions while crediting the Gandhi family for the late PM's achievements. Speaking in an interview in Hyderabad on 8 July, Subhash alleged that the party systematically attributed positive outcomes of Rao's tenure to the Gandhi family while pinning controversies on Rao's administration.

Congress 'Chose to Ignore' Rao's Contributions

Subhash argued that without P.V. Narasimha Rao, the Congress would have fractured following Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991, given the intense internal competition for leadership at the time. He said Rao, as a 'true Congressman', held the party together through that crisis.

'The Congress deliberately chose to ignore Narasimha Rao ji's tenure and the schemes implemented during his government so that the Gandhi family's image would be elevated,' Subhash said. He alleged that achievements were attributed to the Gandhi family, while episodes such as the Babri Masjid demolition were laid at Rao's door.

Subhash added that Rao had been a senior adviser to Rajiv Gandhi and was close to Indira Gandhi, yet his family was never acknowledged. He contended that senior Congress leaders, speaking privately, would affirm that Rao was a leader who genuinely empowered Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) — and that Rao never favoured his own family or caste. Subhash cited the respect both Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi have shown for Rao as evidence of cross-party recognition.

Institutional Decline Under Gandhi Family Control

Comparing the Congress of Rao's era with its present form, Subhash described a structured decision-making process under Rao — a Core Committee, a Working Committee, and advisers from diverse fields whose frank opinions were actively sought. 'P.V. Narasimha Rao ji carefully considered all their views, even those of opponents,' he said.

He contrasted this with the current setup, alleging that Rahul Gandhi neither consults advisers nor maintains any institutional process. 'Whoever appeases the Gandhi family will get the post; this is not good for the party, nor for the nation,' Subhash said.

'Switch Was at 10, Janpath' — Even Under Manmohan Singh

On whether the Gandhi family controlled the government during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's tenure, Subhash was unequivocal. He described Singh as 'a very good and educated person who always thought about the future of the country' and 'non-corrupt', but said the locus of power lay at 10, Janpath — Sonia Gandhi's official residence. 'I have seen more people at Sonia Gandhi's residence than at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's house,' he said.

He argued that the same dynamic persists today, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge — a veteran leader — effectively sidelined while real authority rests with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Gandhi Family's Record on SC, ST, OBC Empowerment

Subhash was pointed in his criticism of the Gandhi family's record on marginalised communities. He alleged that despite Congress governing India for nearly 60 years, the Gandhi family 'always disrespected the interests of OBCs, SCs, and STs' and focused instead on appeasing select minority sections and cultivating ties with affluent networks. 'They only wanted votes from the Dalits, while all the important portfolios and law-making decisions went to the Gandhi family and their friends,' he said.

Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister: 'That Dream Will Remain a Dream'

Asked about Congress's stated ambition of seeing Rahul Gandhi become Prime Minister, Subhash was dismissive. He noted that Gandhi had been given opportunities from 2004 to 2024 and had declined to step up — including stepping away from the Congress presidency after the party's electoral setbacks. 'Such a dream will remain a dream,' he said, adding that Gandhi 'knows his limits' and that it is those around him who have built up his image. He also questioned the electoral returns from the Bharat Jodo Yatra, suggesting the exercise did not translate into seats.

The remarks are likely to intensify the ongoing debate within opposition circles over the Gandhi family's hold on Congress, and over how the party has historically treated leaders outside the dynasty — a conversation that has gained fresh momentum ahead of upcoming state elections.