B.Y. Raghavendra, Shivamogga MP, has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Italy, terming it irresponsible and condemnable.

In a press release issued here on Thursday, Mr. Raghavendra said the Congress leader’s comments calling the Prime Minister a traitor were nothing but the height of political hypocrisy for a leader whose party strangled democracy during the Emergency. “Unable to accept repeated electoral defeats and the people’s unwavering faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress leader has once again resorted to abusive and irresponsible rhetoric,” he commented.

Mr. Raghavendra also commented that the leader who repeatedly defamed India on foreign soil had no moral authority to lecture anyone on patriotism or democracy. “The people of this country know very well who undermined the Constitution for decades, and they also recognise the leadership that has worked tirelessly over the last ten years to restore its sanctity and empower the poor,” he stated.

Further, the MP noted that the Prime Minister had been leading from the front to protect India’s national and economic interests at a time when the world was witnessing serious global instability and conflict. “While the nation stands united behind decisive leadership, certain elements continue to make irresponsible statements that weaken national unity for narrow political gains. The people of India are watching, and they will give a fitting response to such politics,” he added.