During a public meeting in Dallas, Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi presented a sharp critique of the RSS, contrasting its ideology with that of his party. He explained that while the RSS views India as a single idea, his vision for the country embraces a multiplicity of ideas. Gandhi emphasised that India should be a space where everyone, irrespective of caste, language, religion, or tradition, is allowed to participate and pursue their dreams.

“This is the core of our struggle,” Gandhi stated, referencing the recent elections. He argued that the contest was about protecting the Constitution of India, which, in his view, the Prime Minister was attacking. Gandhi pointed out that the Constitution embodies the values of modern India and that many people recognised the BJP’s actions as an attack on India’s traditions, languages, states, and histories.

He further remarked that any assault on the Constitution also strikes at the heart of India’s religious traditions. He cited his first speech in Parliament, where he invoked the Abhayamudra—a symbol of fearlessness present in all Indian religions—as something that the BJP failed to grasp. Gandhi affirmed that his party would continue striving to make the ruling government understand this diversity.

He also noted a significant shift in the political landscape following the election results: the fear of the BJP dissipated almost instantly. “Within minutes of the result, nobody in India was afraid of the BJP or the Prime Minister,” he said. He concluded by attributing this change to the people of India, who had stood up for democracy and refused to accept attacks on their Constitution, religion, and states.