Rahul Gandhi has recently intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on two key issues: the Prime Minister's alleged silence regarding claims made by former US President Donald Trump concerning a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, and the persistent demand for a nationwide caste census. Gandhi's remarks, delivered at a rally in Bihar and previously in Bhopal, have sparked controversy and drawn sharp reactions from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Gandhi has repeatedly accused Modi of a "habit of surrendering" to external pressure, specifically referencing Trump's assertion that he played a role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. He alleges that Modi readily agreed to a ceasefire at Trump's behest, coining the phrase "Narender surrender" to describe the situation. This echoes Gandhi's earlier statements where he claimed, "Trump made one gesture from there (the US), picked up the call and said 'Modiji, what are you doing? Narender surrender'. And Modiji said 'yes sir' and followed Trump's instructions."
The Congress leader has contrasted Modi's actions with the leadership of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, highlighting her firm stance during the 1971 war, when the United States deployed its Seventh Fleet. Gandhi asserted that Indira Gandhi refused to bow to US pressure and acted in India's best interests, a sentiment he believes is lacking in the current administration. "You would remember when the phone call had not come, the seventh fleet came in 1971 war... but Indira Gandhi said 'I will do what I want'," Gandhi stated.
In response to Gandhi's accusations, the BJP has launched a strong counter-attack, accusing him of undermining the military and lacking maturity. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi labeled Gandhi a "self-proclaimed, self-styled, supreme leader" and criticized him for casting aspersions on the Indian armed forces and the success of Operation Sindoor. The BJP has also accused Gandhi of being an "agent of Pakistan" for his remarks.
Beyond the ceasefire controversy, Gandhi has also been vocal about the need for a nationwide caste census. He has questioned Prime Minister Modi's silence on the issue, suggesting that the government is reluctant to undertake a census that would accurately reflect the social and economic realities of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and other marginalized communities. Gandhi has promised to remove the 50% cap on reservations and initiate the caste census from Bihar if his party forms the government. He also claimed that the government only agreed to conduct the caste census due to his pressure, but expressed skepticism about its genuine implementation.
Gandhi has accused the Modi government of prioritizing the interests of billionaires like Adani while neglecting the demands for a caste census that would benefit marginalized communities. He has also criticized the BJP and RSS, accusing them of bowing under pressure and contrasting their response with Congress leaders of the past.
The Congress party has amplified Gandhi's message through social media, including a post featuring a "Make America Great Again" cap emblazoned with the words "Narender Surrender." This has further intensified the row and drawn criticism from BJP supporters.
Shashi Tharoor, a senior Congress leader, when asked about Rahul Gandhi's "Narender-Surrender" remark, responded with caution, stating that the party has "enormous respect for the American Presidency and the American President." He also emphasized that India doesn't need to be told to stop during conflicts and will continue to speak the language of force as long as Pakistan continues to speak the language of terrorism.
