At the sixth edition of ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ in Chennai, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of election manipulation and attacking Tamil identity.
Rahul Gandhi’s Visit and Support
Rahul Gandhi had lunch with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay before attending the event, following the TVK-led alliance’s recent bypoll victories over DMK candidates in Madurantakam and Dharapuram. At the event, the venue was filled with enthusiastic supporters, with Congress flags and tricolour banners decorating the grounds. Music performances and dancing energized the crowd as Rahul entered, warmly acknowledging students who called him “elder brother.”
Accusations Against Modi and BJP
Rahul accused Modi of using the Election Commission to “steal elections,” silencing voices, and attacking democracy. He spoke about protests in Delhi, highlighting police actions against students and alleging assaults by BJP workers. Rahul claimed the Prime Minister’s political dominance was coming to an end after 15 years of rule.
He also named Union Home Minister Amit Shah, NSA Ajit Doval, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar as participants in undermining democratic foundations. He asserted that no one would attack India’s Constitution or democracy without facing justice.
Defending Tamil Language and Culture
Rahul criticised the Modi government for treating Tamil language and culture as secondary, referring to Amit Shah’s comments about Hindi. He vowed that Tamil Nadu’s identity would not be harmed and described the use of fear, hatred, and division as tools in these attacks.
He opposed the National Education Policy’s three-language formula, accusing the Centre of imposing policies on Tamil Nadu’s longstanding two-language system. He stated that Rs 3,300 crore meant for Tamil Nadu’s education sector was being withheld by the central government.
Other Allegations and Calls to Action
Rahul condemned NEET, noting an 87% reduction in MBBS seats for English-medium students. He called delimitation a BJP conspiracy aimed at reducing Tamil Nadu’s parliamentary voice.
Invoking social reformer Periyar and poet Thiruvalluvar, Rahul encouraged students to question authority and embrace curiosity, linking this to democratic rights. Students discussed caste discrimination and educational barriers, inviting Rahul to visit their tuition center.
Rahul urged students to stand up for their beliefs and promised the Congress party’s support in challenging Modi’s rule.
