Congress Leaders Respond to Rajnath Singhs Remarks on Opposition Movement
New Delhi, October 16: Opposition leaders have reacted strongly to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s allegations that their movement is inspired by Bangladesh. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari stated, “The Congress will never say such a thing. If anyone has expressed such views, they may be personal opinions. The Congress wants to change the government through democratic means as per the Constitution. Many people are deeply dissatisfied. Whoever made that statement must answer for it. As far as we are concerned, we are fighting for the second freedom of the country. This is not a personal battle. After independence, we were granted the right to vote through the Constitution, which is now being stolen. The Chief Election Commissioner should resign, and elections should be held using ballot papers.”
Tiwari further noted, “Despite facing police brutality and pellet gun attacks, the opposition is maintaining peace. We are enduring everything while upholding peace. The BJP government has resorted to dictatorship. Protests at Jantar Mantar have been banned.”
He added, “I want to tell them (the Defence Minister) that since the events of 1975, there have been several mandates. The Congress party has expressed its stance on the Emergency imposed under the Constitution and has also expressed regret. Now, let’s talk about 2026, not 1975 or 2025.”
Congress MP Manoj Kumar questioned, “Does this mean we should remain silent and allow votes to be stolen? Ask the Defence Minister why Delhi has been turned into a fortress and garrison. The responsibility for delivering NEET question papers by helicopter lay with the Defence Ministry, yet many were arrested in Delhi and Patna. So, your work has also failed. Instead of making statements about changing power, the government should focus on the reasons behind these concerns.”
Kumar also remarked, “India’s economic situation is worse than that of Bangladesh, yet you dream of making India a ‘world guru’ by 2047 and claim to lead the world. The person you refer to may have expressed their personal opinion, but you are blaming Rahul Gandhi entirely. Why has India lagged behind Bangladesh economically? Why has the government failed on this front?”
Congress leader Udit Raj stated, “If fighting for the country’s defense, safeguarding votes, and protecting the Constitution is considered chaos, then we accept that we are chaotic. We are fighting to save the Constitution and the people’s right to vote. Should we justify the theft and deletion of votes?”
Kishore Nath Shahdev commented on Rajnath’s statement, saying, “These are claims made by BJP members. BJP leaders repeatedly assert that the way governments have changed in our neighboring countries is being adopted here as well. However, I have complete faith and trust in Indian democracy, the Constitution of India, the Indian justice system, the voters of India, and the people of India.”
In response to Rajnath Singh’s assertion that the government is ready to discuss every issue, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Gopal Rai said, “The government talks about dialogue but actually suppresses. We want the government to allow peaceful protests at Jantar Mantar. The government should engage in discussions and find solutions. The public is demanding the removal of Gyanesh Kumar, but the entire government is focused on protecting him.”
