Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Rebukes PM Modi’s ‘Mangalsutra’ Remark, Evokes Family Sacrifice

In Short

• Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticises PM Modi’s remark made at Rajasthan rally
• PM claimed Congress plans to give people’s valuables to ‘infiltrators’
• Congress lodges complaint with Election Commission against PM

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks regarding the Congress party’s alleged intentions to seize people’s assets, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a prominent leader within the Congress party, delivered a sharp critique, emphasizing the historical contributions and sacrifices made by her family for the nation.

Addressing a rally in Bengaluru, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra refuted the accusations leveled by PM Modi, stating, “For the last two days, it is being said that Congress wants to snatch your ‘mangalsutra’ and gold.

The country has been independent for 70 years and there has been a Congress government for 55 years. Did anyone snatch your gold, ‘mangalsutra’?”

She proceeded to recount the poignant sacrifice made by her mother, the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, during times of national crisis. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra emotionally shared, “During the war, Indira Gandhi gave her gold to the country.

Meri maa ka ‘mangalsutra’ is desh ko kurbaan hua hai (My mother’s mangalsutra was sacrificed for the country)… The truth is that these (BJP) people cannot understand the struggle of women.”

The reference to the sacrifice of her mother’s mangalsutra holds significant emotional resonance, especially considering the tragic assassination of her father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, by Sri Lankan Tamil extremists in 1991.

The ‘mangalsutra’ holds cultural and symbolic importance in Hindu marriages, signifying the marital status of women. PM Modi’s recent comments during an election rally in Rajasthan’s Banswara, insinuating that the Congress would even seize women’s ‘mangalsutras’, sparked controversy and condemnation from opposition leaders.

Congress leader P Chidambaram joined Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in criticizing PM Modi, denouncing his remarks as baseless and reflective of the ruling BJP’s fear of electoral defeat.

Chidambaram highlighted the absurdity of PM Modi’s claims regarding the Congress party’s alleged plans to seize assets and redistribute them.

In response to the contentious remarks, the Congress party lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that PM Modi’s comments targeted a particular religious community and violated the Model Code of Conduct.

The Election Commission has confirmed receiving the complaint and is currently reviewing its merits, indicating the escalating tensions and polarization ahead of the elections.