Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi addressed the closing session of the Bharat Summit 2026 in Hyderabad on Saturday, where he directed sharp criticism toward individuals he described as "fascists." Speaking at the HICC Novotel alongside Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the Congress MP argued that these individuals, who he claimed operate within business, academia, and politics, tend to "scream" and "shout" rather than listen to the majority.
Gandhi stated that these figures often capitalize on systemic collapses. "Historically, the fascists jump out of the woodwork when systems collapse," he remarked, adding that they have been "running, romping, jumping, shouting, screaming" over the last decade. His appearance took place amid protests held by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha members outside the venue.
Earlier in the day, Gandhi inaugurated a social security and welfare scheme for gig workers in Telangana. He noted that the initiative includes Rs 5 lakh in accident insurance, Rs 10 lakh in health insurance, and a pension provision involving 1% of earnings. He stated that the scheme also provides rights over personal data and includes the establishment of Wi-Fi-equipped rest centers.
Separately, Gandhi responded to criticism from BJP leaders regarding Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love. While BJP members have accused the author of attempting to "whitewash" the Nehru-Gandhi family’s historical record, the Leader of the Opposition suggested that his opponents were secretly reading the book. He told reporters that the memoir’s appeal was "difficult to resist" and encouraged critics to continue their commentary, noting that it only helped the book's reach.
Key facts
- The Bharat Summit took place at the HICC Novotel in Hyderabad on Saturday.
- The newly launched gig worker scheme includes Rs 5 lakh accident insurance and Rs 10 lakh health insurance.
- Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', was released on Tuesday by HarperCollins India.
- The memoir contains accounts of historical events including the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition and the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Why it matters
The political discourse surrounding the memoir has reignited debates over contentious historical episodes, including the Emergency and Operation Blue Star. Meanwhile, the implementation of the gig workers' welfare scheme in Telangana serves as a practical follow-up to promises made by the Congress leadership during interactions with platform workers in 2023.
Background
Sonia Gandhi’s memoir discusses various aspects of her life and political career, including her recollections of watching the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, which she described as a pivotal moment in Indian politics.
Source: Economic Times, News18
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