BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi Over “Separatist” Remarks
A fierce political row has erupted as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a stinging attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The ruling party has labeled the Leader of the Opposition as a “textbook example of separatism” following his recent comments regarding the Tamil film industry and regional identity.
The controversy began when Rahul Gandhi accused the Central Government of deliberately blocking the release of the movie Jana Nayagan. He claimed that the delay in censor clearance for the film, which features actor-turned-politician Vijay, was a direct attempt to suppress Tamil culture and the voice of the Tamil people.
Responding to these allegations, BJP National Spokesperson Guru Prakash Pawan stated that Gandhi’s remarks are baseless and dangerous for national unity. He argued that the Congress leader frequently uses regional and linguistic sentiments to create a divide between the people and the state.
The BJP highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently promoted Tamil heritage on global platforms, including the United Nations. They cited events like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam as evidence of the government’s commitment to southern cultural pride, dismissing Gandhi’s claims as purely political.
Union Ministers joined the critique, suggesting that Gandhi’s “anti-national mindset” surfaces whenever he visits southern states. They accused him of practicing “political tandav” by shifting his narrative to suit local electoral benefits while ignoring the legal processes followed by independent bodies like the CBFC.
Meanwhile, legal hurdles for Jana Nayagan continue as the Supreme Court is set to hear a plea regarding its certification. The film board has maintained that the delay is purely procedural and lacks any political motive, despite the heavy criticism from the opposition camp.
Congress leaders have stood by Gandhi, asserting that the use of central agencies and screening boards to target creative works is a sign of authoritarianism. They maintain that the struggle for the film’s release is a struggle for the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution.
As the political temperature rises ahead of upcoming state elections, the “separatist” tag has become the latest flashpoint. The BJP demands an apology for what they call “insulting statements,” while the Congress continues to push its narrative of institutional capture by the ruling party.
