In the bustling city of New Delhi:
Assam’s Chief Executive, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has initiated a fresh verbal assault on Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in the Congress party. This comes on the heels of a recent exchange of verbal jabs between the two during the Assam leg of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
The viral footage, captured during the yatra in Jharkhand, showcases Mr. Gandhi engaging in the endearing act of petting a canine companion. Following this, the Congress leader beckons his assistants for a packet of gourmet biscuits to indulge his furry acquaintance. In the midst of these proceedings, numerous supporters make attempts to engage in conversation with him. Amidst the exchange of pleasantries, Mr. Gandhi is observed nourishing the puppy, even extending a biscuit to the canine companion. Interestingly, as the puppy turns away, Mr. Gandhi redirects the biscuit, graciously offering it to an addressing supporter.
Although the official Bharat Jodo Yatra handle shared a video of Mr. Gandhi’s affectionate interaction with the puppy, this particular clip omits the biscuit episode. Nevertheless, the “biscuit” video has gained widespread attention, with many casting aspersions on the Congress leader for allegedly mistreating his supporters and party members.
Contrary claims have surfaced, asserting that the puppy in question belonged to the supporter engaged in conversation with Mr. Gandhi. According to these assertions, the Congress leaders provided biscuits to be later used by the supporter to feed the puppy.
In response to the matter, numerous individuals tagged the Assam Chief Minister, previously associated with the Congress, seeking his perspective. Mr. Sarma often recounts an incident wherein he, along with other senior Congress leaders, visited Mr. Gandhi for a meeting. During this encounter, Mr. Gandhi’s pet dog, Pidi, purportedly consumed biscuits from a shared plate. Subsequently, the Congress leaders were presented with biscuits from the same plate—an anecdote Mr. Sarma has detailed in multiple interviews. He utilizes this account to fortify his contention that Mr. Gandhi lacks seriousness in addressing crucial party affairs, a narrative that played a role in his departure from the Congress.
The Assam leader seized the opportunity to reaffirm his position as the latest video gained traction. Responding to a user who had tagged him, he declared, “Not only did Rahul Gandhi fail to sway me with that biscuit, but the entire family could not influence my decision. I am a proud Assamese and Indian who stood firm, refusing both the biscuit and membership in the Congress.”
Further condemnation of Mr. Gandhi emerged from other BJP figures regarding the viral video. Amit Malviya remarked, “When its prince treats party workers like dogs, it is only natural for a party to face extinction.”