Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 31: Leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Sunday intensified their criticism of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi after historian Ramachandra Guha questioned the Congress leader’s leadership abilities and criticised the party’s functioning.
The political debate gained momentum following Guha’s recent article in which he described the Congress as operating like a “family firm,” referring to the continued influence of the Nehru-Gandhi family within the party. He also expressed concerns about Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, stating that he lacked gravitas and had failed to learn from past political setbacks.
The remarks drew attention because Guha has previously been perceived as sympathetic to the Congress and its leadership, making his criticism particularly significant in political circles.
Reacting to the comments, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said Rahul Gandhi had repeatedly failed to gain public confidence and described him as a political liability for the Congress. He claimed that not only voters but also sections within the opposition alliance and Congress ranks had questioned his leadership.
Senior BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the Congress had struggled to establish effective leadership under Rahul Gandhi. He said the party continued to face electoral setbacks and lacked a clear political direction.
BJP MLA C. P. Singh also criticised Gandhi’s political conduct, alleging that Congress leaders continued to support him primarily because of his family background.
Joining the debate, Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said Guha’s observations carried weight due to his long-standing association with discussions around the Nehru-Gandhi family and Congress politics. He suggested that the party should seriously reflect on such criticism.
Meanwhile, Krishna Hegde of the Shiv Sena argued that the Congress would need to look beyond the Nehru-Gandhi family if it hoped to rebuild and strengthen its political future.
The Congress has not yet officially responded to the remarks made by Guha or the subsequent criticism from NDA leaders.