‘Rahul’s Remarks Are Anti-National, His Passport Should Be Cancelled’: BJP MP CP Joshi Writes to Speaker Om Birla
New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament CP Joshi has sparked controversy by demanding the cancellation of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s passport. In a letter addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the BJP MP accused Gandhi of making “anti-national” statements during his recent foreign trips, arguing that these remarks harm India’s international image, internal stability, and border security.
Joshi, a former state BJP president, stressed that Gandhi’s statements on foreign soil went beyond political discourse, categorizing them as acts detrimental to the nation. “Rahul’s statements are not political but purely fall under the category of anti-national activities, which makes his conduct suspicious,” Joshi wrote. His letter intensified the already heated political atmosphere, with the BJP MP accusing the Congress leader of engaging in actions that undermine India’s interests globally.
Allegations of Misusing Position
The crux of Joshi’s complaint lies in his assertion that Rahul Gandhi, as the Leader of the Opposition, is misusing his position to criticize India on international platforms. According to Joshi, Gandhi’s behavior suggests an agenda that puts India’s stability at risk. The BJP MP referenced Gandhi’s recent trips to the United States, where, according to Joshi, the Congress leader made damaging remarks about India’s internal matters.
“In the context of India, before making statements on foreign soil, the Leader of the Opposition is expected to keep some basic facts in mind,” Joshi remarked. He claimed that Gandhi, driven by “selfishness or under the influence of foreign powers,” disregarded national interests. Joshi argued that Gandhi’s actions had the potential to destabilize India both domestically and in terms of international relations.
Controversial Remarks on the Sikh Community
One of the key points raised by Joshi in his letter was Gandhi’s comments on the Sikh community during his foreign visits. According to Joshi, Gandhi’s claim that Sikhs in India are not allowed to wear their turbans and sacred symbols was not only factually incorrect but also harmful. “This is the worst example, and it is clear that he wants to strengthen the agenda of Khalistani separatists in Canada and America,” Joshi alleged.
Gandhi’s comments, Joshi contended, could fuel separatist movements abroad, especially in countries like Canada and the United States, where pro-Khalistan sentiments have occasionally surfaced. The BJP MP added that such statements, particularly when made on foreign soil, pose a serious threat to India’s unity and international standing.
Criticism of Indian Industrialists
Another major point of contention in Joshi’s letter was Gandhi’s criticism of Indian industrialists during his foreign interactions. According to Joshi, no other political leader, either from the ruling party or the opposition, has targeted their country’s industrialists on an international platform. Joshi questioned Gandhi’s intentions, asking, “Is there even one such example in the whole world when a leader of the ruling party or the opposition is seen going to another country and making statements against the industrialists of his country?”
The BJP MP further accused Gandhi of holding meetings with individuals and companies that had allegedly caused economic harm to Indian businesses. Joshi implied that these actions could damage India’s economy, suggesting that Gandhi’s criticism was part of a larger agenda to undermine the nation’s economic interests.
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Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations
Joshi also raised concerns about Gandhi’s impact on sensitive international relations, particularly with Bangladesh. He highlighted an incident during which Gandhi was asked about attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, and the journalist who posed the question was mistreated. Joshi pointed out that the Indian government had already addressed this issue with Bangladesh diplomatically. He alleged that Gandhi’s response was inconsistent with India’s official stance, thereby undermining the country’s international policy and relations with its neighbor.
Demand for Passport Cancellation
The BJP MP concluded his letter by demanding serious action against Gandhi, suggesting that he resign from his position as Leader of the Opposition. “Such baseless statements which tarnish the image of the country cannot be seen under the ambit of freedom of expression,” Joshi argued. He insisted that Gandhi’s position as a senior leader brought with it responsibilities, and failure to uphold them justified his removal.
Joshi further urged the cancellation of Gandhi’s passport to prevent him from “using foreign soil to run anti-India campaigns or agendas.” According to Joshi, this drastic measure would safeguard national security and ensure that Gandhi does not continue to make statements that could jeopardize India’s peace, harmony, and foreign policy.
Political Repercussions
Joshi’s letter has added fuel to the ongoing political battle between the BJP and Congress. While Congress leaders have yet to formally respond, the allegations of anti-national activities and calls for passport cancellation are likely to heighten tensions between the two major political parties. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how Gandhi and the Congress party will address these serious accusations and what impact they may have on India’s political discourse.
