Rahul accuses BJP of spreading hatred in name of religion

Ahead of fresh national elections due in 2019, India's top opposition leader Rahul Gandhi yesterday came down hard on the BJP, accusing the Indian ruling party of spreading hatred and dividing the nation in the name of religion and caste.

While addressing the Congress' 84th plenary session in New Delhi, he said, “Today, our nation is getting divided -- one is made to fight against another. Congress' job is to keep them united."

The symbol of a hand (Congress' electoral symbol) is the only symbol that can unite the nation and take it forward, he said. 

“The nation is tired and is looking for a way out. The Congress can only show the way ahead,” Rahul said in his brief inaugural speech at the first plenary since he took over as party president three months ago from his mother Sonia Gandhi.

Rahul's remarks came in the midst of efforts by different regional parties to put together a joint non-Congress and non-BJP opposition in the coming parliamentary elections. Separately, Congress too is trying to cobble together a broader opposition alliance of regional parties to take on BJP in the elections.

The plenary is also being attended by a three-member Awami League delegation including AL presidium member Abdur Razzak, former foreign minister Dipu Moni, and the party's Assistant Office Secretary Biplob Barua.

Rahul alleged BJP's "emphasis on divisive politics" has taken its focus away from key issues like unemployment and farmers' distress.

He claimed that Congress is the only party that can take the country forward, bringing along with it each and every citizen regardless of caste or creed.

He said the difference between BJP and Congress is that BJP spread anger and hatred while Congress spread love and brotherhood.

"This country belongs to everyone, every religion, every caste and every person and the Congress party is for everyone and we will not leave anyone behind," Rahul said.

The two-day plenary session is being attended by senior Congress leaders including former party president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh.