The BJP on Monday referred to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a “chhota popat” in response to his mockery of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan “Ek hai toh safe hai” (We are safe if we are together). BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra explained that the term “popat” was coined by Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, and criticized Gandhi for his repeated attacks on the BJP.
BJP’s Criticism of Rahul Gandhi
Sambit Patra accused the Gandhi family of looting India’s ‘tijori’ (treasury) through years of corruption, asserting that Rahul Gandhi’s comments on the slogan reflected the Congress party’s legacy of scams. Patra remarked, “The people who have been looting the ‘tijori’ now associate the meaning of ‘tijori’ with safety.”
Patra also mocked Gandhi’s predictable pattern of generating viral content before every election, saying, “Murgi har roz ande deti hai aur Rahul Gandhi har election se pehle memes dete hai” (The hen lays eggs every day, and Rahul Gandhi produces memes before every election).
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations Against PM Modi
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi criticized PM Modi for allegedly prioritizing the interests of business tycoon Gautam Adani over the people of Maharashtra. Gandhi showcased two posters at a press conference in Mumbai ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections. One poster depicted PM Modi alongside Adani with the caption “Ek hai toh safe hai”, while the other highlighted the controversial Dharavi redevelopment plan tied to the Adani Group.
Gandhi claimed that the “safe” in the slogan represented the wealth of Mumbai, which, he alleged, was being targeted by Adani with the BJP’s backing.
BJP’s Response to Gandhi’s Remarks
In a lighthearted jab, the BJP also reminded Gandhi of the Haryana Assembly elections, where Congress leaders celebrated prematurely with jalebis after early trends suggested they were leading. However, the BJP ultimately won, marking its third consecutive term in the state. To emphasize their point, the BJP even sent jalebis to Rahul Gandhi’s official residence.
Patra, doubling down on his criticism, predicted that on November 23, when the Maharashtra election results are announced, memes would flood social media, and the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition would retain power. He concluded, “The safe will open on November 23, and nothing will come out of it for Congress.”
Key Takeaways:
- BJP calls Rahul Gandhi a “chhota popat” following his attack on PM Modi’s slogan.
- Sambit Patra accuses the Gandhi family of decades of corruption and looting India’s treasury.
- Rahul Gandhi alleges Gautam Adani is being favored over the people of Maharashtra.
- BJP mocks Congress for premature celebrations in Haryana elections with jalebis.
- BJP predicts Mahayuti victory in the Maharashtra elections on November 23.
