Patna, February 24: Bihar’s Health Minister Mangal Pandey unleashed a sharp critique against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asserting that the Indian public no longer takes him seriously. Speaking on the sidelines of recent political developments, Pandey described Gandhi as a figure repeatedly attempting to tarnish India’s global image, yet failing at every turn.
The controversy erupted at the India AI Summit held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, where Youth Congress activists staged a provocative shirtless protest. Pandey condemned the act vehemently, stating that Congress invariably leads the charge whenever there’s an opportunity to defame the nation. ‘Rahul Gandhi is fast becoming a laughingstock,’ he remarked, emphasizing that this is precisely why the masses dismiss him outright.
Highlighting the summit’s prestige, Pandey noted the presence of heads of state from 20 countries. He labeled the Youth Congress demonstration as deplorable, arguing it inflicted deep embarrassment on all attendees. ‘What does Congress intend to showcase in a democracy?’ he questioned, adding that their shirtless stunt aimed to damage India’s reputation but ultimately fell flat.
BJP MP Ashwini Kumar Choubey echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the summit drew representatives from 140 nations. He accused Congress workers of exploiting a minor issue to malign India internationally, describing their shirtless protest as a disruptive tactic orchestrated by leaders to weaken the country. This incident, critics say, underscores a pattern of opposition politics prioritizing sensationalism over substance.
As political rhetoric intensifies ahead of key elections, Pandey’s comments reflect growing BJP confidence in countering Congress narratives. Gandhi’s leadership continues to draw fire from ruling party stalwarts, who portray him as out of touch with national aspirations. The AI Summit fiasco, they argue, is just the latest example of Congress’s misguided strategies alienating the public.