Anurag Thakur Critiques Rahul Gandhi Over Political Setbacks

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Anurag Thakur criticizes Rahul Gandhi's political track record.
- Thakur draws parallels between National Herald and Congress' struggles.
- Debate on territorial integrity and Chinese encroachment highlighted.
- Thakur questions funding sources related to Congress.
- Gandhi's responses indicate the rising tensions in Indian politics.
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) In a display of clever rhetoric, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur took a jab at the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday by drawing parallels between the failed efforts of the Congress-controlled National Herald newspaper and Gandhi's political trajectory.
Thakur remarked, “The Congress has continually struggled to engage with the public, but it falters time and again.”
He added, “I'm not referring to the individual that my statement may bring to mind. My focus is on the National Herald,” delivering a tongue-in-cheek comment.
The 50-year-old, a four-time MP hailing from Himachal Pradesh, has a history of confrontations with Gandhi, often clashing with the Congress leader on various topics both inside and outside Parliament.
Earlier this month, during discussions surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill, Thakur responded to Gandhi’s accusations regarding China encroaching upon 4,000 sq km of Indian territory.
Thakur countered, stating that not a single inch of Indian land had been compromised: “The Prime Minister and the Defence Minister have visited the frontlines to uplift the spirits of our military in facing the Chinese threat.”
Recalling the Doklam standoff of 2017, he stated that while Gandhi enjoyed Chinese cuisine with officials, he failed to express support for Indian soldiers.
“Which foundation received funding from the Chinese government?” he queried, alluding to the alleged Rs 1.35 crore donation from China to the Congress-affiliated Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.
Thakur also criticized former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for promoting the slogan “Hindi, Chini, Bhai, Bhai” while China betrayed India through aggression and expansionist tactics.
In December 2004, the fiery BJP leader aimed to educate the Congress leader after Gandhi’s comments on the Constitution.
Thakur mocked Congress leaders for possessing a copy of the Constitution yet being unaware of its page count, implying they had never read it.
During a Parliamentary session, Thakur held up a red copy of the Constitution, often waved by Gandhi, emphasizing that it was the document's strength that endured the challenging period of the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
In July 2024, while participating in a debate on OBCs and the caste census, Thakur accused Gandhi of being the ‘Leader of Propaganda’ rather than the Leader of Opposition.
He further hinted at the “caste of the person advocating a caste census being a significant secret.”
Without directly naming Rajiv Gandhi, Thakur referred to him as “RG1,” suggesting he had opposed reservations for OBCs.
His sharp criticisms visibly affected Rahul Gandhi, prompting him to seek an opportunity in the House to respond to Thakur’s remarks.
Gandhi asserted that the caste census would be sanctioned by the House, irrespective of the ruling party's derogatory comments.