In recent years, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has come under fire for his controversial remarks and statements. Despite his claims that, as a Gandhi, he never apologizes, multiple instances from his past contradict this statement. In this article, we will explore some of the instances where Rahul Gandhi has had to apologize or clarify his statements, particularly those that have caused outrage and controversy.
RSS Controversy
One of the most prominent controversies involving Rahul Gandhi is his statement made in 2014 during an election rally, where he accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of killing Mahatma Gandhi. The RSS worker, Rajesh Kunte, filed a case against him for defaming the organization, and the courts reprimanded him for making defamatory remarks. Initially, Rahul Gandhi refused to retract his statement, asserting that he would provide evidence to support his claim. However, he changed his stance after the Supreme Court criticized him for collective denunciations and required him to face trial. Rahul Gandhi then “clarified” that he did not blame the RSS for Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination but rather people “associated” with it, which was a flimsy rebuttal far from the truth.
“Khoon Ki Dalali” Remark On PM
In 2016, during an election rally, Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of doing “khoon ki dalali.” His comments were widely condemned, prompting him to clarify that he supported the surgical strikes but not using the Army for political propaganda. His controversial remarks about the surgical strikes evoked strong reactions from the public and other opposition parties. The incident also reminded people of his mother and former Congress President’s infamous “maut ka saudagar” jibe against then Gujarat CM, Modi.
Rafale Issue
In 2018, the Supreme Court dismissed all petitions seeking a court-monitored probe of the Rs 59,000 crore contract for Rafale fighter planes made by Dassault Aviation of France, saying that there was no reason to doubt the decision-making process. Despite the Supreme Court judgement, in 2019, Rahul Gandhi based his entire campaign on the Rafale deal, coining the slogan “Chowkidar Chor Hai.” During a media interaction, he alleged that the Supreme Court had confirmed the “Chowkidar” was involved in theft and had accepted corruption in the Rafale issue. Rahul Gandhi even called the Prime Minister “Chor” (Thief) on the floor of the Lok Sabha, which was expunged. The Court, on a petition filed by BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi, sent Gandhi a criminal contempt notice for misrepresenting it and attributing “Chowkidar Chor Hai” to the Court’s decision. What followed was Rahul Gandhi presenting an unconditional apology and acceptance of making the claim “in the heat of the political campaigning.”
Foreign Intervention In India’s Domestic Affairs
Rahul Gandhi has also faced criticism for his comments on foreign intervention in India’s domestic affairs. In a speech in 2018 at the University of California, Berkeley, he stated that “the world is changing, and people are starting to realise that there is a massive amount of violence being perpetrated on the Indian people. We are being divided along lines of religion, caste, and community. This is something that India cannot afford, and that is why it is important that the international community understands that there is a massive amount of pressure building up in India.” This statement sparked controversy and criticism, with many accusing him of seeking foreign interference in India’s internal affairs.
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