Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their focus on the increased number of seats in the new Parliament House, claiming it serves as a distraction from pressing issues such as unemployment.
Speaking at an interaction with the Indian diaspora in San Francisco, Gandhi expressed his concerns regarding the decision-making process and called for fairness in the negotiation of India’s diverse components.
Gandhi highlighted the need for a careful examination of the criteria and reasoning behind the selection of 800 seats in the new Parliament House.
“India is a complex nation, consisting of various languages, cultures, histories, and people. The negotiation process must be fair, ensuring that every state and region feels they have been represented justly,” he emphasized.
While acknowledging the importance of understanding the methodology used in determining the number of seats, Gandhi stated that the Parliament House issue is essentially a distraction.
He argued that the BJP fails to address significant challenges such as unemployment, rising prices, social unrest, a deteriorating education system, and expensive healthcare.
According to Gandhi, the spectacle surrounding the new Parliament House serves as a smokescreen to divert attention away from these crucial matters.
During an interaction with the Indian community at the University of Santa Clara, Gandhi responded to a question about the provision of 888 seats in the recently inaugurated Parliament building.
The question revolved around whether this allocation ensures fair representation based on population proportionality.
Rahul Gandhi is currently on a six-day visit to the United States, where he will participate in various programs across California, New York, and Washington D.C. As part of his visit, Gandhi aims to engage with the Indian diaspora and address their concerns and aspirations.
Responding to a question about his message of hope for the Muslim community, Gandhi metaphorically stated, “It is like running a shop of love in a market of hatred.”
He emphasized that while Muslims may bear the brunt of this hatred more acutely, all minorities, including Sikhs, Christians, Dalits, and the economically disadvantaged, face similar challenges.
Gandhi further highlighted the frustration felt by economically disadvantaged individuals in India, who witness extreme wealth in the hands of a privileged few while struggling to meet their basic needs.
He stressed that combating hatred requires love and compassion, and expressed astonishment at the ease with which hatred can be eliminated in India. (Edited)
