BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of fostering linguistic divisions

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday accused Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi of attempting to stir linguistic divisions within India. The remarks from the party followed comments made by Mr. Gandhi, in which he alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched a "full-scale attack" on the Tamil language and its culture.Addressing the media, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi rejected the claims, stating that the Tamil language has received "immense respect" during the current administration’s tenure. Mr. Trivedi noted that the Prime Minister has frequently praised Tamil as the world’s oldest language, both within India and on the international stage. As a recent example of this support, Mr. Trivedi pointed to the Prime Minister’s presentation of a Russian translation of the 'Thirukkural' to Russian President Vladimir Putin.The BJP spokesperson further alleged that Mr. Gandhi is working to push the country toward a state of anarchy by manufacturing a divide between the north and south based on language. Mr. Trivedi also referenced the installation of the 'Sengol' in the new Parliament building in 2023, describing it as a "revered symbol of eternal Tamil culture" that had been opposed by the Congress party.In a separate critique, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj questioned the Congress leadership's stance on internal conduct. Ms. Swaraj highlighted the case of a party MP and JNU professor who was dismissed from the university following charges of sexual harassment. She urged Mr. Gandhi to take action against the individual, questioning whether his party’s slogans regarding women's dignity were merely political rhetoric rather than policy. Additionally, Mr. Trivedi addressed Mr. Gandhi’s recent criticism of the Prime Minister, noting that today's political environment allows for public dissent, unlike the period of the Emergency when government critics faced imprisonment.