PM 'maliciously twists' Rahul Gandhi's words: Congress on 'Maharaja' remark

Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'maliciously twists' every statement made by party leader Rahul Gandhi to inflame communal prejudices and passions," Congress said on Sunday, responding to PM Modi’s 'insulted maharajas but silent on atrocities of sultans' attack on the Wayanad MP.

Earlier today, at an election rally in Karnataka, PM Modi accused Rahul Gandhi of insulting Rajas and Maharajas in India but remaining silent on the atrocities committed by Sultans, Nawabs, Nizams, and Badshahs. He was referring to Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements on the rule of the Kings and the Maharajas.

Responding to PM Modi’s comments, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, said the Prime Minister’s campaign speeches are “shameful” and he has “gone beyond being pathetic”.

"He [PM Modi] maliciously and mischievously twists every statement of Rahul Gandhi to inflame, incite and ignite communal prejudices and passions. His exit is inevitable and his realisation of that is making him more and more desperate. His campaign speeches are shameful really," Ramesh said on X.

During a recent rally, the Congress leader said, "It was the rule of the Kings and the Maharajas, they could do whatever they wanted, if they wanted someone's land they would take it away, the Congress Party and our workers, along with the people of the country, achieved independence, brought democracy and changed the Constitution of the country."

Attacking Rahul Gandhi over the statement, PM Modi said, "The statements by Congress's shehzada (Prince) were intentional, aimed at vote bank politics and appeasement....Shehzade spoke ill about rajas, maharajas but shahzade's mouth was locked regarding the 'atyachar' that the nawabs, nizams, sultans and badshahs committed in India's history. His mouth was shut on them but on rajas, maharajas he speaks ill and insults them".

The Congress leader has “accused them (rajas and maharajas) of usurping the lands and properties of people and poor... Congress' shehzada has insulted great personalities like Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Kittur Rani Chennamma, whose administration and patriotism inspires us even today”, the Prime Minister added.

He further said that Congress's "appeasement mindset" was out in the open and that it is reflected in their manifesto as well.