INDIA opposition alliance will ‘rebuild the idea of India’ in Manipur: Rahul Gandhi hits back at PM Modi

File Photo/PTI

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticisms of the 'INDIA opposition alliance' by asserting, "call us what you want, but we are INDIA" and vowing to "rebuild the idea of India in Manipur."

Modi had criticized the opposition alliance, Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), as the most directionless the country has ever seen. He cited reviled names, including the East India Company and Indian Mujahideen, to emphasize that people cannot be misled solely by the use of the country's name.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that during a BJP Parliamentary Party meeting, the Prime Minister remarked that the opposition's conduct suggested they were prepared to remain in the opposition for an extended period.

The opposition has sunk deep in despair and is directionless, he said, according to Union minister Pralhad Joshi. Its conduct suggests that it has reconciled to remain in opposition for a long time, Modi said.

In response, Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to hit back at Modi, stating, "Call us whatever you want, Mr. Modi. We are INDIA. We will help heal Manipur and wipe the tears of every woman and child. We will bring back love and peace for all her people." He affirmed his commitment to rebuilding the idea of India in Manipur.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri highlighted that even groups with divisive intentions had used names like the East India Company and Indian Mujahideen, but he believed that people would not be misled by such tactics.

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Former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad shared that Modi had pointed out that both the Indian National Congress and the East India Company were founded by foreigners. He also referred to other groups like the Indian Mujahideen and Popular Front of India, noting that their realities were different from the image they tried to project.

The opposition has been demanding that Modi make a statement on the Manipur issue in Parliament first before a debate on the matter can be taken up.
The BJP has insisted that it is willing for a discussion and Home Minister Amit Shah will reply to it, asking the opposition to not set any precondition.

Modi also referred to the recent meeting of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. The alliance is the legacy of BJP stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani, he said, emphasising on maintaining strong and cordial ties with allies. (Agencies)