BJP burns Rahul Gandhi’s effigy in Jaipur to protest his ‘traitor jibe’ against PM Modi and Shah

The raging controversy following Rahul Gandhi’s traitor jibe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah refuses to die down as the ruling BJP on Thursday staged a protest and burnt Gandhi’s effigy.

The saffron brigade assembled at the party’s state headquarters here on Thursday morning to hold a demonstration under the leadership of state BJP president Madan Rathore. The workers raised slogans against Gandhi and his party, and sought a public apology from him.

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The state party chief, who was accompanied by Mahila Morcha president Rakhi Rathore, general secretary Shravan Bagdi, and other leaders, reiterated that the leadership of the grand old party was ‘demoralised’ and frustrated by a series of electoral defeats. He added that Gandhi was demonstrating the same psyche, noting that his utterances reflect an “anarchic mindset”.

In the prevailing state of affairs, the opposition party has lost its relevance and support among the masses, Rathore said, adding that the Congress is bereft of values and discipline, and Gandhi’s statements testify to it.

Thereafter, the ruling party took out a march to the nearby Chomu House Circle, where protesters burnt Gandhi’s effigy amid intense slogan-shouting.

On Wednesday as well, the entire BJP state leadership and its campaign machinery swung into action to target the opposition leader. State party chief Rathore even called a press conference to demand an apology from Gandhi.

Contrary to this, Congress leaders rallied behind the former party chief and five-time MP to defend his stance. PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra defended Rahul Gandhi, stating, “Let RSS people lend an ear to Rahul ji.”

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Rajasthan LoP Tika Ram Jully also praised Gandhi’s stance. They said that as the Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi has consistently raised alerts on critical situations. However, they alleged that the government “did not lend an ear” to his warnings.

“Even leaders from other parties, such as the Shiv Sena (UBT), are defending our leader,” a Congress spokesperson said.