Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi stated that the fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP dissipated among the people after the party failed to secure a majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
During an interaction with the Indian community in Dallas, Texas, Gandhi remarked, "The fear of the BJP vanished immediately after the election results. Within minutes, nobody in India was scared of the BJP or the Prime Minister."
Gandhi emphasized that the election outcome was not a personal victory for him or the Congress party but a reflection of the people's will. He credited the citizens of India for standing up against what they perceived as attempts by the government to undermine the Constitution and democratic values. "We are not going to accept an attack on our religion or our state," he affirmed.
Gandhi also highlighted the ideological divide between the Congress and the BJP’s parent organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He said, "The RSS believes India is one idea, but we believe India is a multiplicity of ideas." According to Gandhi, his vision of India includes contributions from people of all backgrounds, regardless of caste, religion, language, or tradition.
The Congress leader claimed that his message during the campaign resonated with voters, especially when he spoke about protecting India's Constitution. "What people understood clearly in the election was that anyone attacking the Constitution of India is also attacking our religious traditions," he added.
Gandhi underscored the importance of infusing Indian politics with values of love, respect, and humility. He noted, "What is missing in our political systems across parties is love, respect, and humility—not just towards the most powerful but also towards the weakest."
Gandhi's visit to the US is part of a broader outreach effort that includes engagements with students at the University of Texas and meetings with US lawmakers. His three-day trip also precedes important political events, including the upcoming US presidential election and assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir.