Political Tug-of-War Over “Shakti” Remarks Fuels Electoral Heat in India

In a recent turn of events that has stirred the political landscape of India, Rahul Gandhi’s comments on “Shakti” during the INDIA rally in Mumbai have sparked controversy. Addressing the audience, Gandhi expressed concerns over electronic voting machines (EVMs) and various institutions under the control of the current government, using “Shakti” to symbolize the force they are contesting. This remark was promptly seized upon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who accused Gandhi of disrespecting the Hindu concept of Shakti, framing the upcoming election as a battle between those who honor divine feminine power and those purportedly aiming to undermine it.

Prime Minister Modi, leveraging the remark at multiple rallies, emphasized that for the BJP, “Shakti” represents the nation’s women, who embody strength and divine energy. He portrayed his party as the true protector of women, invoking historical anecdotes and asserting his devotion to “Bharat Mata” (Mother India). Modi’s strategic highlighting of the comment indicates the BJP’s intention to use it as a political tool, reminiscent of past instances where Congress’s choice of words has been turned against them.

The Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi, has clarified that the “Shakti” mentioned pertains to the forces of unrighteousness, corruption, and falsehood, rather than any religious connotation. Gandhi accused Modi of misrepresenting his words, asserting that their fight is against a malevolent power dominating India’s institutional framework. This episode has once again underscored the intense rhetoric and high stakes of Indian politics, with both major parties vying to secure the moral high ground in the eyes of the electorate ahead of critical elections.

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