Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of perpetrating a divide within the state

NEW-DELHI: The Second day of the debate on the no-confidence motion in the Parliament witnessed a fiery speech from Rahul Gandhi, the Congress MP and prominent opposition leader. In his address, he invoked the pain of the people and challenged the government's stance on several critical issues.

Gandhi began by expressing gratitude for having his Lok Sabha membership restored, acknowledging the turbulence caused by his previous speech where he addressed the Adani controversy. However, he assured that his present discourse would deviate from that topic, quipping that the BJP need not be on edge this time.

The Congress MP recounted his extensive journey across India named 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', spanning from the coastal regions to the snow-clad landscapes of Kashmir, and revealed his intentions behind it. He mentioned that he embarked on this journey accompanied by fellow citizens, motivated by a quest to understand the core values he held dear. He underscored the unrelenting support he received from millions during the Journey.

Gandhi stressed that the country is defined by the collective voice of its people and their struggles. He lamented the presence of ego and hatred, asserting that until these divisive elements are dismantled, the true voice of the nation will remain unheard.

Raising the most poignant allegation of his speech, Gandhi turned his attention to Manipur. He accused the government of perpetrating a divide within the state, leading to its figurative death. Drawing a larger connection, he asserted that this wasn't just a matter of Manipur's suffering but an indictment of the government's policies causing suffering across the entire nation. He accused that 'Mother India has been murdered in Manipur.'

The Congress leader shared heartrending anecdotes from his visit to Manipur, recounting the stories of women who had lost their children to violence. One mother, he recounted, had to spend a night by her deceased child's side after a brutal shooting. He questioned the government's response to such tragedy and stated that the army could resolve such crises within a day, contrasting the government's lack of action.

Gandhi compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mythological character Raavan, who only heeded Meghnath and Kumbhakaran. He claimed that PM Narendra Modi, similarly, only listens to Amit Shah and Adani, insinuating a lack of accountability and transparency. In a charged climax, he warned against the metaphorical "kerosene" being spread across the nation, accusing the government of attempting to ignite division and discord.

This marked Rahul Gandhi's first address in the Lok Sabha after the reinstatement of his membership. The debate on the no-confidence motion against the Modi government is expected to span three days, culminating with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response on the 10th. Notably, this marks the first no-confidence motion against the Modi government.