Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), describing them as “traitors”. Mr. Gandhi alleged that they were attacking the Constitution, snatching reservation of the marginalised sections and working to support some industrialists.

“I will never apologise and I will say it again: Narendra Modi-Amit Shah are traitors because they have attacked the Constitution. Listen carefully... I am not afraid of RSS people,” Mr. Gandhi said at the Bahujan Swabhiman Sammelan in Rae Bareli.

Mr. Gandhi reiterated that a massive economic crisis was around the corner. “The times ahead are going to be very difficult. Inflation will be at a level the country has never seen before. Prices of everything will rise, farmers will be distressed because there will be a shortage of fertilizers. Oil and gas supplies will be disrupted. But this economic storm will not affect Adani-Ambani and Narendra Modi, because they will remain sitting in their palaces. If anyone will be hit by this economic storm, it will be the common people of the country,” he said.

He also hit out at the Prime Minister over a visit to Italy. “Modi gave a speech in India and said the global situation is vulnerable. He then flew to Italy in his expensive plane, carrying a Melody candy in his pocket for Meloni [Italian Prime Minister],” said the Congress leader.

Veera Pasi statue unveiled

At the Sammelan, Mr. Gandhi unveiled a statue of Veera Pasi, who had fought the British during the Revolt of 1857, in Rae Bareli, hinting at a renewed outreach towards the Pasi community.

Mr. Gandhi also addressed a workers’ conference in Amethi, attacking the BJP government on issues such as inflation and rising unemployment. He accused the BJP of taking the lands of marginal farmers and handing it over to industrialists. “The government used to run the MGNREGA scheme, which provided employment to millions of people. The Modi government changed this scheme,” he said.

“The government failed on every front and took the country downward. Every soldier of the Congress will continue to fight with full force from the streets to Parliament to protect the rights of the people and the Constitution. This voice of justice raised from Amethi will now resonate throughout the country. We have to fight for the rights of the common people who are exploited in every possible way by the ruling autocratic regime,” said Mr. Gandhi.

Mr. Gandhi also visited the home of late Congress leader Yogendra Mishra, describing him a true soldier of the Congress family. He met the bereaved family members and expressed his deep condolences.

Anil Yadav, a Congress leader in Uttar Pradesh said, “In this climate, the eagerness of the general populace in Rae Bareli and Amethi to receive and participate in the programs of Rahul ji was unprecedented. Every worker and ordinary citizen of Uttar Pradesh stands united with the leader, and the tour infused fresh vigour among Congress workers,” Mr. Yadav said.