Rahul Gandhi embarked on a three-day visit to the United States, marking his first international trip to the US since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as the Leader of Opposition. His itinerary included stops in Dallas, Texas on September 8, and Washington DC on September 9 and 10. During his visit, Gandhi engaged with academics, journalists, representatives of think tanks, technocrats, businessmen, and members of the Indian diaspora and local community. 

The primary aim of Gandhi’s visit was to strengthen ties between India and the United States. He emphasized this during his interactions with various stakeholders, including members of the US Congress and students at Georgetown University. 

Gandhi began his visit with a spirited address at the University of Texas, where he spoke to the Indian American community. He asserted that the fear of the BJP had “vanished among the people since the Lok Sabha results.” 

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra 

The Congress party made a significant comeback in the 2024 elections, securing 99 seats compared to the 52 seats won in the 2019 general elections. This victory was largely attributed to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra series, which helped the party strengthen its grassroots connections. 

Reflecting on his transformative experience during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi described it as “an attack on myself.” Despite overcoming a knee problem, he undertook the months-long march, which introduced the idea of love into Indian political discourse. Gandhi stated that this concept of love is rarely found in political discussions, which are often dominated by words like hatred, anger, and corruption. 

During his visit, Gandhi made several statements that sparked controversy. At an event in Herndon, Virginia, he highlighted the ideological battle in India, stating, “The fight (in India) is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban…whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear a kada or go to the Gurudwara. That’s what the fight is about, and it’s not just for Sikhs, but for all religions.” 

This statement was met with strong criticism from the BJP, who accused Gandhi of sharing anti-national sentiments on foreign soil. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri (A Turbaned Sikh Himself) responded by asserting that “Sikhs have never been safer anywhere in the world than they are in India today.” He also referenced the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Punjab, during which the Congress Government was in power, to counter Gandhi’s claims. 

Rahul Gandhi described an ongoing ideological battle in India between the Congress party and its allies versus the BJP and RSS. He emphasized that Congress envisions a pluralistic India where everyone has the right to thrive, and diverse perspectives are welcomed without persecution based on religion, community, or language. In contrast, he criticized the BJP and RSS for promoting a more centralized and restrictive vision. 

Meeting with US Lawmakers

Rahul Gandhi met with U.S. lawmakers at the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. The event was hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman and was attended by Congressman Jonathan Jackson, Congressman Ro Khanna, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Congressman Shri Thanedar, Congressman Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Congressman Hank Johnson and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. 

Notable among these was Gandhi’s interaction with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, whom the BJP claimed to have conspired against India. This also drew the ire of BJP, who accused Congress of working against the nation as they say that Omar instils anti-Indian sentiments in the US Congress. Omar was sponsored by Pakistan on a visit to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK), where she reportedly held talks inspiring the separation of Kashmir and promoting the radical Islamic elements in the region. 

Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the US Congress was marked by a series of high-profile engagements and discussions, reflecting his efforts to strengthen international ties and advocate for a pluralistic vision of India. It also highlighted the ideological battle in India and raised questions about the state of secularism in the country. His speeches and interactions underscored the Congress party’s vision of a pluralistic and inclusive India, while also drawing sharp criticism from the BJP.