Dharmendra Pradhan Slams Rahul Gandhi: “Trapped in Ideological Emptiness”

New Delhi, July 20 :Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday, accusing him of undermining India’s dignity and aligning with foreign narratives. The statement followed Gandhi’s recent remarks questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial “five jets shot down” claim during an India-Pakistan standoff.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Pradhan criticized Rahul Gandhi’s pattern of political commentary, stating:

“Continuous failure has plunged Rahul Gandhi into an abyss of ideological emptiness. In opposing the BJP, he has reached the point of opposing India itself. He just needs an excuse to tarnish the country’s dignity.”

Pradhan also alleged that the Congress leader often speaks in favor of Pakistan or echoes narratives harmful to India’s global image.

“Sometimes he speaks in favour of Pakistan, and sometimes he promotes the narratives of other countries,” the BJP leader wrote.

Calling Gandhi “the most unsuccessful leader in India’s history,” Pradhan said his frustration had now taken the form of targeting the nation.

“A proverb fits Rahul Gandhi perfectly: ‘A frustrated cat scratches the pole.’”

He further claimed that Gandhi “eagerly waits each morning” for an opportunity to exploit any baseless issue to question India’s integrity.

The remarks come after Rahul Gandhi, in a post on July 19, sought clarification from Prime Minister Modi regarding Trump’s claim of defusing a major conflict between India and Pakistan, where “five ships were shot down.” Gandhi posted:

“Modi ji, what is the truth about the 5 ships? The country has the right to know!”

Echoing similar concerns, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram also questioned the government’s silence, urging it to clarify Trump’s claims.

“I would like to believe the government of India, but if it does not state the truth—what do we believe?” he asked in his post.

As the political war of words intensifies, the Centre has yet to make an official comment on Trump’s latest statements, leaving room for further speculation and political jabs.