Congress Demands Apology from Odisha CM Over Remarks on Rahul Gandhi

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has formally requested an apology from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi due to his remarks concerning Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party linked to the recent Voter Adhikar Yatra incident in Bihar. The OPCC claims that the incident was orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to undermine Gandhi’s reputation and disrupt the ongoing campaign.

At a press conference held on Saturday at Congress Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, OPCC spokespersons Rajani Kumar Mohanty, Nishikant Mishra, and Jayashree Patra asserted that the BJP is engaging in a conspiracy to tarnish Gandhi’s image. Mohanty emphasized that the BJP’s actions are aimed at defaming both Gandhi and the Congress leadership amidst the Voter Adhikar Yatra, which is designed to promote electoral rights.

During the media briefing, Mohanty specifically criticized the BJP for comments made by its minority cell functionary, Mohammad Rizvi, who allegedly made disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother. Notably, he pointed out that Gandhi was not present at the press conference where these comments were made. “The BJP is attempting to defame him and the Congress leadership before the people,” Mohanty stated.

Despite media reports and social media photographs linking Rizvi to the BJP and showing him with party leaders, including former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister Majhi continued to target Gandhi without substantiated evidence, according to Mohanty. He also recalled past instances where BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, had made derogatory comments about both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, questioning why Majhi had not condemned those remarks.

The OPCC spokesperson reiterated their demand for an apology from Majhi for his comments regarding Gandhi and the Congress party. This incident highlights the escalating tensions between the Congress and BJP in Odisha, particularly as both parties prepare for the upcoming electoral challenges.

The political landscape in the region continues to evolve, with both parties vying for influence. As campaigning intensifies, the OPCC’s call for accountability from the Chief Minister may resonate with voters who are observing the unfolding dynamics between these major political entities.