During a recent address to the Indian diaspora in Herndon, Virginia, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared his party’s struggle when their bank accounts were sealed just months before the Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi revealed that this unprecedented situation left Congress without the necessary funds for advertising, campaigning, or even transporting their leaders.
Reflecting on the event, Rahul Gandhi recalled a moment of uncertainty within his party. “Unki toh hawa nikal gayi thi (They lost confidence),” he said, referring to a conversation with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the party treasurer. Despite this setback, Gandhi maintained an optimistic attitude. “This is the first time in my life all the bank accounts were sealed. I said, ‘dekhi jayegi, dekhte hain kya hota hai’ (We’ll see, let’s see what happens),” he said, emphasizing the resilient spirit with which the party continued to fight the elections.
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Many of the people present here may run businesses. Imagine one day your finance department comes to you and says, ‘All your bank accounts are sealed or closed until further notice.’ You wouldn’t know what to do.
Three months before the election, this is what happened to the… pic.twitter.com/ktgizxtl4w
— Congress (@INCIndia) September 10, 2024
Fight for Fundamental Rights
Rahul Gandhi also highlighted that the ongoing political battle in India extends beyond traditional politics, focusing on fundamental rights. “The fight (in India) is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban… or go to the Gurudwara. And this is not just for Sikhs but for all religions,” he emphasized, underscoring the inclusive nature of the struggle.
Post-Election Sentiment and Modi’s Image
Reflecting on the aftermath of the 2024 Lok Sabha election results, Rahul Gandhi noted that the fear that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to create had “vanished.” He claimed that despite attempts to spread fear through various agencies and media outlets, it dissipated rapidly after the election. “The spread of fear took years and consumed a lot of money, but it vanished in one second,” Gandhi said, adding that PM Modi’s once formidable image of strength had become “history.”
Strengthening US-India Ties
Rahul Gandhi’s US visit included interactions with students and faculty at the University of Texas, as well as addressing the Indian diaspora in Dallas. He referred to the Indian community abroad as a “vital bridge” between India and the US, emphasizing the importance of their role in strengthening bilateral relations.
Rahul Gandhi’s comments have sparked widespread discussion, not only about the future of Indian politics but also about the broader fight for rights and freedoms in the country.
