Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that the Enforcement Directorate was planning to raid him as a retaliatory measure for his speech in the Lok Sabha recently. In an apparent reference to his ‘Chakravyuh’ address on July 29, Gandhi said he was told about the impending action by ED insiders and announced that he was “waiting with open arms.”
Allegations of an ED Raid
Rahul Gandhi Tweeted, “Apparently, 2 in 1 didn’t like my Chakravyuh speech. ED ‘insiders’ tell me a raid is being planned. Waiting with open arms @dir_ed…..Chai and biscuits on me.” Gandhi’s speech was a strong indictment of PM Narendra Modi, more so against Union Budget 2024. Gandhi leveled an accusation at Modi in his speech for having infused an atmosphere of fear amongst farmers, workers, and youth, stating what is currently prevailing in politics is nothing but a new variety of ‘Chakravyuh’. He equated this historical idea with the present political situation and called it a new ‘Chakravyuh’, in the shape of a lotus—clearly an emblem associated with Modi and his party.
Abhimanyu and the Ancient ‘Chakravyuh’
Gandhi said in his speech that, “Thousands of years ago, in Kurukshetra, six people trapped Abhimanyu in a ‘Chakravyuh’ and killed him. I did a little research and found out that ‘Chakravyuh’ is also known as ‘Padmavuyh’, which means ‘Lotus formation’. Chakravyuh’ is in the shape of a Lotus. In the 21st century, a new ‘Chakravyuh’ has been formed—that too in the form of a Lotus. The Prime Minister wears its symbol on his chest. What was done with Abhimanyu, is being down with India – the youth, farmers, women, small and medium businesses. Abhimanyu was killed by six people”.
He added, “Today, too, there are six people in the centre of ‘Chakravyuh’. Six people control India today too—Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Mohan Bhagwat, Ajit Doval, Ambani, and Adani.”
Gandhi’s Criticism of the Union Budget
He called the ‘Chakravyuh’ in the 21st century, controlled by six persons: Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Mohan Bhagwat, Ajit Doval, Mukesh Ambani, and Gautam Adani. He drew an analogy that how ancient ‘Chakravyuh’ had resulted in the death of Abhimanyu, in the same way, this currently formed ‘Chakravyuh’ is crushing many sections of society. He also attacked the budget brought by the central government, saying that it is betraying the middle class and increasing economic woes.
Gandhi’s comments have ratcheted up the political rhetoric with Parliament’s budget session underway since July 22, till August 12. His statements challenge not only the government’s economic policies but also raise a red flag over the political pressures and investigations that have come to bear upon opposition leaders.