Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling leadership, including PM Modi and Amit shah, of “betraying the nation” and made strong remarks describing the BJP-RSS organisation as “traitorous,” triggering political controversy.
BY PC Bureau
May 20,2026: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a strong attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the BJP-RSS ecosystem, calling them “gaddars”. Rahul Gandhi was speaking at rally in Rae Bareli, his Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh.
The Congress leader accused the BJP-RSS ecosystem of undermining the Constitution and questioned its commitment to the ideals associated with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
By invoking Veera Pasi, Mahatma Gandhi, and Dr. Ambedkar, Rahul Gandhi sought to position the Congress as a defender of India’s pluralistic and social justice traditions, while accusing the ruling ideology of distorting historical narratives.
The Congress party shared excerpts from the speech on X (formerly Twitter), translated from Hindi, quoting Rahul Gandhi as saying:
“Whenever BJP-RSS people come before you and talk about Narendra Modi-Amit Shah, tell them openly that Narendra Modi-Amit Shah are gaddars (traitors). Their organisation is traitorous, because you people have together sold off the country.
BJP-RSS has attacked the Constitution, Veera Pasi Ji, Gandhi Ji, and Ambedkar Ji.”
जब भी BJP-RSS के लोग आपके सामने आएं और नरेंद्र मोदी-अमित शाह की बात करें तो आप उनसे खुलकर कहिए 👇
नरेंद्र मोदी-अमित शाह गद्दार हैं। BJP-RSS गद्दार हैं, क्योंकि आप लोगों ने मिलकर देश को बेचने का काम किया है।
BJP-RSS ने संविधान पर, वीरा पासी जी, गांधी जी और अंबेडकर जी पर हमला… pic.twitter.com/PiMQnRRmW8
— Congress (@INCIndia) May 20, 2026
Rae Bareli Rally and Political Messaging
The statement was delivered during Rahul Gandhi’s recent two-day visit to Rae Bareli and Amethi, which included symbolic engagements such as planting a tree in Amar Shaheed Veera Pasi village and unveiling a statue of Veera Pasi, a local historical figure associated with anti-colonial resistance.
The visit is seen as part of the Congress party’s broader effort to reinforce its political presence in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in traditional strongholds linked to the Gandhi family.
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Rae Bareli has long been considered a key Congress bastion and has historically served as an important platform for political messaging by the Gandhi family.
The rally comes amid intensified political competition in Uttar Pradesh, with Congress seeking to reposition itself as a principal challenger to the BJP by framing the contest around constitutional values, social justice, and institutional protection.
Political Reactions and Implications
The BJP has consistently rejected such allegations, describing them as politically motivated rhetoric aimed at undermining democratic institutions. Party leaders have instead highlighted the government’s record on economic development, infrastructure expansion, welfare delivery, and national security.
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Rahul Gandhi’s increasingly confrontational tone reflects his post-2024 political positioning as Leader of Opposition, where he has sharpened his messaging around ideological divides in Indian politics.
Electoral Significance
While such speeches energise core party supporters, analysts note they also contribute to deeper political polarisation. In constituencies like Rae Bareli, local issues such as employment, agriculture, infrastructure, and governance outcomes often play a decisive role alongside national narratives.
As Uttar Pradesh heads toward future electoral contests, including the 2027 Assembly elections, the effectiveness of such high-intensity political messaging will ultimately be tested at the ballot box.
