Tensions flared in Parliament as Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, dodged referencing the ‘Jee Ram Jee’ scheme by name, prompting a fierce rebuttal from NDA allies. BJP’s Prem Shukla labeled it a sign of Gandhi’s ‘Mughal mindset,’ drawing parallels to his historical visits and perceived cultural disconnects.
In an exclusive interview, Shukla pointed out the irony: ‘He bows at Babur’s grave but objects to Lord Ram in a rural welfare plan.’ This rhetoric positions the Congress scion as out of touch with India’s civilizational ethos, a narrative the BJP has long pushed.
Joining the fray, Shambhavi Choudhary of LJP (Ram Vilas) dissected Gandhi’s approach to governance. She charged him with habitual exaggeration and poor preparation on key legislations, aiming to incite public fear rather than foster informed debate. ‘He peddles falsehoods under the guise of public interest,’ Choudhary remarked.
Defending the scheme, Choudhary linked it directly to Gandhian principles of village self-sufficiency. Annual evaluations ensure its relevance, she noted, dismissing opposition critiques as politically motivated. The plan’s evolution reflects proactive policy-making for India’s agrarian heartland.
The episode highlights ongoing NDA-Congress clashes, where religious symbolism intersects with policy. With rural India at stake, the ‘Jee Ram Jee’ initiative stands as a flashpoint, testing voter allegiances ahead of crucial polls. BJP’s offensive seeks to rally its base, portraying Gandhi as elitist and anti-tradition.
