New Delhi [India], October 1 (ANI): BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his visit to Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat to meet tribal families, asking why the Leader of Opposition was not addressing issues concerning Scheduled Tribes in his own constituency of Wayanad.
Responding to Gandhi's post on X ahead of his Balaghat visit, Chandrasekhar questioned why Gandhi was not visiting Kerala to look into issues concerning tribal communities in Wayanad.
"Why is he not doing programs in Wayanad for tribals? The condition of Scheduled Tribes in Wayanad needs to be seen. Why is he not looking into all these issues? Why is he not doing a 'Chatron Ki Goonj' program in Kerala? He has to come and see the problems of his own constituency. Why are he and his sister not coming to Keralam? This is my question to Rahul Gandhi," he said.
Chandrasekhar also accused Gandhi of repeatedly spreading misinformation.
"Rahul Gandhi spreads misinformation all the time. He claimed the Indian economy is dead; that is false. He claims that the government works only for Ambani and Adani; that is also false," he said.
Referring to Gandhi's recent remarks on patriarchy, Chandrasekhar said, "Two days ago, Rahul Gandhi said smash the patriarchy. So if you want to smash the patriarchy, why not start in Keralam?"
He also alleged corruption under the Kerala government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and accused Gandhi of protecting his family.
"Today, overwhelming corruption is being done by Pinarayi Vijayan. Congress and CPM pretend to be different, but they are the same. What about the Sabarimala case?" he said.
"I called Rahul Gandhi a fraud. He is only a protector of his own family, not a protector of secularism," he said.
Chandrasekhar also defended Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar against allegations levelled by opposition leaders.
"CEC Gyanesh Kumar is called a BJP agent, but his own party in Keralam has said how important SIR is," he said.
Rahul Gandhi is visiting Balaghat on Thursday to meet tribal families who have lost children amid concerns over illness, malnutrition and access to basic healthcare facilities. The visit comes amid a political row over the reported deaths of more than 30 tribal children in parts of Balaghat. Recent reports have cited multiple health conditions among affected children, including measles, malaria, malnutrition and anaemia.
In a post on X ahead of his visit, Gandhi said, "I am coming to Balaghat today. To meet those tribal families who have lost their innocent children due to illness and the neglect of the BJP government. By spending time with them, I want to tell them that they are not alone in this grief — I am with them."
Gandhi had also raised concerns over tribal families affected by the Ken-Betwa project, alleging that villages were being submerged without adequate rehabilitation or compensation. He had also referred to issues raised by tribal students during his "Chhatron Ki Goonj" programme in Indore, including deficiencies in schools, colleges and hostels.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has sought documents and a response from the state government in connection with a petition concerning the deaths of tribal children in Balaghat.
Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jeetu Patwari also spoke on the issue, referring to the Gandhi family's history of engagement with tribal communities.
"The Gandhi family has always stood firm. We give tribal families a place in our society, just like our grandmother did. Late Rajiv Gandhi ji never fell short of giving tribals their rights. He fought against the rich, but he always protected and respected them. Today, it's the same tradition, the same legacy," Patwari said. (ANI)
"Why is he not doing programs in Wayanad for tribals?": Rajeev Chandrasekhar questions Rahul Gandhi over Balaghat visit
