'PM Modi’s 56-inch chest and BJP's fear tactics are history': Rahul Gandhi in Virginia

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi wasted no time in targeting the BJP as he began his US tour. Speaking at a diaspora event in Herndon, Virginia, he criticized Prime Minister Modi and the BJP for spreading fear across India, only for it to "vanish within seconds" after the elections.

His remarks set the tone for his visit, which includes meetings with students at Georgetown University and other engagements.
Addressing the diaspora in Virginia: Post-election reflections
Speaking to the Indian diaspora in Herndon, Virginia, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the changing political landscape after the elections in India. He remarked, "Something has changed after the elections..Some people said 'Dar nahi lagta ab, dar nikal gaya ab'...It is interesting to me that the BJP and PM Modi spread so much fear, and the pressure of agencies on small businesses, everything vanished within seconds."
He emphasized how the influence and fear instilled by the ruling party and their use of government agencies on small businesses dissipated almost instantly. "It took years for them to spread this fear and vanished within seconds...In Parliament, I see the Prime Minsiter right up front and I can tell you that the idea of Mr Modi, 56-inch chest, direct connection with god, that’s all gone now, it’s is all history now..."

Challenges faced before elections
Rahul Gandhi also shared insights from the period leading up to the elections, noting that the Congress party's bank accounts were frozen just three months before voting began. "Three months before elections our bank accounts were all sealed... We were discussing that now what to do...I said 'Dekhi Jayegi', let's see what we can do .. and we went into the elections...," Gandhi recalled, reflecting on the difficult circumstances the party faced.
On India's diversity and BJP's ideology
In his speech, Rahul Gandhi reiterated the essence of India’s unity, rooted in its Constitution. He criticized the BJP’s approach to the country's diversity, stating, "BJP doesn't understand that India is a union of states, histories, traditions, music, and dance." He argued that the ruling party misrepresents India's foundational principles.
" In the Constitution, it is written clearly... India that is Bharat is a union state, histories, tradition music and dance...they (BJP) say it is not a union, it is different...," he said.
RSS and India's linguistic diversity
Gandhi also took aim at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying, "What the RSS says is that certain states, languages, religions, and communities are inferior to others." He stressed that the RSS ideology does not respect India's linguistic and cultural diversity, framing it as a core issue in their ongoing struggle.
"What the RSS says is that certain states are inferior to other states. Certain languages are inferior to other languages, certain religions are inferior to other religions, and certain communities are inferior to other communities...All the state has its history, tradition...RSS ideology is Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, Manipuri, these are inferior languages...that's what the fight is about...These people (RSS) don't understand India...," Rahul said.

Washington visit to continue for two days
Gandhi will remain in Washington for the next two days before returning to Delhi. His tour is part of a broader effort to connect with the Indian diaspora and discuss key political issues.
Interaction with the Indian Diaspora and University students
Rahul Gandhi’s US tour began in Dallas, where he interacted with students and faculty at the University of Texas. Describing the experience as "dynamic and engaging," Gandhi discussed topics ranging from Indian politics to youth and women’s roles in shaping the future of both India and the US.
In his speech to the Indian diaspora in Dallas, Gandhi emphasized the importance of values like love, respect, and humility in Indian politics. He highlighted India’s rich diversity, noting that, like the United States, India is a union of states where all languages, religions, and communities are equal.
Calling the Indian diaspora in the US a "vital bridge" between the two countries, Rahul Gandhi underscored the importance of maintaining connections between India and the global Indian community. He concluded by expressing optimism for the rest of his US visit, which continues in Washington before he heads back to India.