Priyanka Gandhi expresses concern about Rahul's safety and criticizes the BJP's response as 'inferior'

New Delhi [India], September 20: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday raised concerns about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's safety following recent remarks by BJP leaders. She highlighted that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding these statements, but the reply came from BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda, which she described as 'inferior' and 'aggressive.'

Priyanka Gandhi explained that due to the unchecked and violent rhetoric from certain BJP leaders and ministers, Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, wrote to the Prime Minister to express concerns about Rahul Gandhi’s security, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

"If the Prime Minister believed in democratic values, open dialogue, and respect for elders, he would have responded personally to this letter. Instead, an inferior and aggressive response was sent by Nadda ji," she posted.

She further questioned, "What was the need to disrespect an 82-year-old senior leader?" while stressing that "In a democracy, the tradition and culture is to ask questions and engage in dialogue. Even in religion, values like dignity and etiquette are paramount."

Priyanka Gandhi added that the Prime Minister should have set an example by upholding the dignity of his office, which would have improved his public image. She called it unfortunate that leaders in high positions have disregarded democratic traditions.

On Thursday, BJP President Nadda responded to Kharge's letter to PM Modi, criticizing his defense of Rahul Gandhi, labeling it as an attempt to "polish a failed product." He accused Rahul Gandhi of continuously disrespecting the Prime Minister and the OBC community.

Nadda outlined several controversial statements made by Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi's remark referring to Modi as a "merchant of death." He questioned Congress's silence on such comments and accused the party of lowering political standards. "Kharge ji, what haven’t your leaders said about the Prime Minister? They’ve called him ‘Modi, your grave will be dug,’ ‘a bastard,’ ‘merchant of death,’ ‘a poisonous snake,’ ‘a demon,’ ‘a rat,’ ‘a Hindu terrorist.’ Even his parents have been insulted," Nadda wrote.

He also accused Rahul Gandhi of supporting anti-national forces and sowing division in the country. "Is the Congress proud of Rahul Gandhi for embracing anti-India individuals, supporting terrorists, advocating for foreign interference in India’s democracy, inciting caste-based politics, or insulting Hindu Sanatan culture?" Nadda asked.

Kharge, meanwhile, had written to PM Modi, urging action against BJP leaders who made controversial statements about Rahul Gandhi. He mentioned that a BJP leader had called Rahul Gandhi the "number one terrorist," while an ally of the party had offered a reward for cutting off Gandhi’s tongue. Kharge pressed PM Modi to take strict legal action against such remarks, warning that they could harm Indian politics. "I urge you to discipline such leaders and maintain decorum," Kharge wrote.