Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of aligning with disintegrative forces and becoming a spokesperson for urban naxalism. Speaking at a BJP membership campaign program in Odisha’s Khordha district, Nadda also hailed the BJP as India’s only nationalist and democratic party.
Nadda criticized the Congress for allying with the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, a party that has voiced support for restoring Article 370. He accused the Congress of supporting those who seek to divide the nation.
“Congress has become the spokesperson of urban naxalism,” said Nadda. “Where is nationalism? They are allying with the party that talks about bringing back Article 370. But this is BJP, which since 1952 as Bharatiya Jana Sangha, opposed the idea of two constitutions in one country.”
Nadda highlighted the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and Home Minister Amit Shah’s efforts. He emphasized that the move unified Jammu and Kashmir constitutionally with India.
“J-K became part of India constitutionally after this move,” said Nadda, adding that prominent figures like Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee had sacrificed their lives for this cause. He also pointed out that refugees from Pakistan living in Jammu and Kashmir had previously been denied the right to vote, a situation rectified after the abrogation.
Describing the BJP as India’s only national and democratic party, Nadda praised its membership drive and transparent internal processes, contrasting it with Congress, which he claimed has never prioritized such initiatives.
“BJP is the only party with a cadre base and maximum mass following,” said Nadda. “Have you ever seen such membership events of Congress? It tells volumes about the seriousness of the BJP’s membership and democratic structure.”
Nadda also took aim at the Congress for lacking a clear ideology, referencing Mahatma Gandhi’s suggestion to disband the party after India’s independence. He criticized the Congress for failing to evolve, while positioning the BJP as a party that stays true to its ideology.
“When I say it is an ideological party, I mean the BJP runs on principles. Mahatma Gandhi had said to disband Congress, but Nehru Ji didn’t agree,” Nadda stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi renewed his membership with the BJP on September 2, officially launching the party’s 2024 membership drive. Nadda concluded his remarks by highlighting the importance of the BJP’s continued growth and ideological consistency heading into the 2024 elections.
