The Opposition Congress on Wednesday sharply criticised the group of “eminent personalities” who issued an open letter against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, calling them “BJP employment exchange applicants.”
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said the signatories were behaving as though they were seeking positions from the BJP. “These eminent personalities seem more like BJP employment exchange applicants. They appear to be dealing with matters beyond their roles and responsibilities,” she said.
Shrinate questioned why these individuals did not speak about rising crime rates or repeated intelligence failures.
“Before 2014, people used to question the government, but now questions are being asked of the Opposition, which is not even in power,” she added.
Defending Rahul Gandhi, she said he was “fighting firmly to save democracy” and added that “he is presenting proofs and not just making allegations.”
Her remarks came shortly after 272 prominent public figures—including former RAW chief Sanjeev Tripathi, former J&K DGP S.P. Vaid, and retired diplomat Lakshmi Puri—released an open letter criticising Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership.
Titled “Assault on National Constitutional Authorities,” the letter accuses the Congress of trying to undermine key constitutional bodies, especially the Election Commission of India.
The signatories expressed concern over what they described as a “rising tide of venomous rhetoric” targeting institutions such as the Armed Forces, Judiciary, Parliament, and constitutional offices. They accused certain political leaders of abandoning constructive policy discussions and relying on “angry accusations without evidence.”
The letter claims that after attempts to “tarnish” other national institutions, these leaders are now trying to portray the Election Commission as compromised.
