Modi, Shah are traitors who are attacking the constitution, says Rahul at a meeting in Rae Bareli

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai and others during a meeting in Rae Bareli on May 20, 2026. Photo: AICC via PTI

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling them “traitors”. Mr. Gandhi alleged that they were attacking the Constitution, usurping reservation for marginalized sections and working to support some industrialists.

“I will never apologize and I will say it again: Narendra Modi-Amit Shah are traitors because they attacked the Constitution. Listen carefully… I am not afraid of RSS people,” Mr Gandhi said at the Bahujan Swabhiman Sammelan in Rae Bareli.

Mr Gandhi reiterated that a massive economic crisis was around the corner. “Times ahead will be very difficult. Inflation will be at a level the country has never seen. Prices of everything will rise, farmers will be in distress as there will be shortage of fertilisers. Oil and gas supplies will be cut off. But this economic storm will not affect Adani-Ambani and Narendra Modi as they will remain sitting in their common palaces. If anyone is affected by this economic country, it will be affected by the storm.”

He also left for the prime minister to visit Italy. “Modi gave a speech in India and said that the global situation is vulnerable. Then he flew to Italy in his expensive plane, carrying a Melody candy in his pocket for Meloni (the Italian prime minister),” the Congress chief said.

Veer Pasi statue unveiled

At the Sammelan, Mr. Gandhi unveiled a statue of Veera Pasi, who fought against the British during the 1857 rebellion, in Rae Bareli, indicating a renewed approach to the Pasi community.

Mr Gandhi also addressed a workers’ conference in Amethi where he attacked the BJP government on issues such as inflation and rising unemployment. He accused the BJP of taking land from marginal farmers and handing it over to industrialists. “The government was running the MGNREGA program which provided employment to millions of people. The Modi government has changed that programme,” he said.

“The government has failed on all fronts and brought the country down. Every Congress soldier will continue to fight with full strength from the streets to the Parliament to protect the rights of the people and the Constitution. This voice of justice raised from Amethi will now resonate across the country. We must fight for the rights of the common people who are being exploited in every possible way by the ruling autocratic regime,” Gandhi said.

Mr Gandhi also visited the late Congress leader Yogendra Mishra’s house and described him as a true soldier of the Congress family. He met the bereaved and expressed his deepest condolences.

Anil Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Congress leader said, “In this climate, the eagerness of the general population in Rae Bareli and Amethi was unprecedented to accept and participate in Rahul ji’s programmes. Every worker and common citizen of Uttar Pradesh stands with the leader and the tour has infused new energy among Congress workers,” said Mr. Yadav.

Published – 20 May 2026 22:07 IST