Rahul slams Modi for silence on Trump tariffs, says economic storm looms over India,Waqf Act threatens religious freedom

RSS wants control of all institutions; their ideology is anti-Constitution: Rahul Gandhi’s sharp attack

Ahmedabad, April 9: In a fiery address at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session held on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched a sharp attack on the Modi government, slamming the recent Waqf (Amendment) Act as “anti-Constitutional” and “a direct assault on the freedom of religion.” He also renewed his demand for a nationwide caste census, pledging that the Congress would go beyond the 50% cap on reservations and implement what Telangana has pioneered across the nation.

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-RSS of systematically targeting minority rights, warning that after Muslims, the rights of Christians and Sikhs would also come under threat. Citing an article published in a magazine linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Gandhi said, “Their roadmap is clear—they are coming after all minorities. First it was Muslims, and now their eyes are set on Christians, and Sikhs will be next.”

Referring to the controversial amendments to the Waqf Act, Gandhi stated that the legislation violates constitutional guarantees and undermines religious freedom. “This is not just about one community. This is an attack on the very foundation of secularism and pluralism enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.

In a scathing critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the PM has capitulated to American pressure, particularly from former US President Donald Trump, on the issue of tariffs. “You saw the photo of Modi hugging Trump? This time Trump said, ‘no hugs, just tariffs’. Modi ji remained silent, and to cover up his submission, they orchestrated a two-day drama in Parliament. Where is the Prime Minister now? Why is he silent?” Gandhi questioned, taking a swipe at the PM’s oft-quoted “56-inch chest.”

Gandhi further criticized Modi’s meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, claiming that Yunus had made adverse remarks about India. “Yet Modi sat with him, unbothered. Is this the muscular diplomacy the PM promised the nation?” he asked.

Turning to internal party matters, Gandhi emphasized the importance of strengthening the Congress organisation from the grassroots level, announcing plans to empower District Congress Committees and their presidents, positioning them as the backbone of the party’s future political structure.

Reiterating his demand for social justice, Gandhi passionately advocated for a caste-based census, arguing it is the only way to deliver equitable development and representation. “We will demolish the artificial wall of the 50 per cent cap on reservations. What the Telangana government has done successfully, we are going to replicate across India. Every community must know their true numbers and get their fair share,” he declared.

Addressing the broader ideological struggle in the country, Gandhi accused the RSS of working against the Constitution and attempting to capture every democratic institution in India. “Make no mistake—this is not an ordinary political battle. This is a fight to save the Constitution. They may have the state machinery, money, and media with them, but we have truth, resilience, and the love of the people on our side,” he told party workers.