Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi described Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the RSS as traitors during an event in Rae Bareli on May 20. He accused them of attacking the Constitution and favouring industrialists over ordinary citizens. The BJP responded sharply the next day, calling his remarks anarchic and divisive.
Speaking at the Bahujan Swabhiman Sammelan in his Lok Sabha constituency of Rae Bareli on May 20, 2026, Rahul Gandhi said, “I will never apologise and I will say it again: Narendra Modi-Amit Shah are traitors because they have attacked the Constitution.” He also warned of an impending economic crisis with high inflation, fertilizer shortages and disrupted oil supplies that would spare only industrialists such as Adani and Ambani.
BJP president Nitin Nabin hit back on May 21, stating that Gandhi’s words “reflect his anarchic and divisive mindset” and demanded an apology. Nabin asked whether those who had curbed terrorism and Naxalism could be called traitors, adding that the Congress leader was “polluting” the political atmosphere.
Gandhi also addressed a workers’ meeting in Amethi, criticising the government over unemployment, land acquisition and changes to the MGNREGA scheme. He unveiled a statue of Veera Pasi in Rae Bareli as part of outreach to the Pasi community.
