BJP should start 'Rahul Gandhi Troll Ministry', make Smriti Irani its minister: Congress

Accusing the BJP of spreading lies about its leader, Congress on Monday said the Narendra Modi government can now set up a "Rahul Gandhi Troll Ministry" and put Smriti Irani at its helm.

At a press conference here, the Congress leaders said the BJP has been spreading lies about Rahul Gandhi and the Bharat Jodo Yatra by employing a troll army for the job.

Releasing a video of "lies" spread by the BJP along with Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh, the party's Social Media and Digital Platforms Chairperson Supriya Shrinate said the troll army has the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior leaders.

She said questions were raised about Rahul's t-shirt and shoes as well as containers where 'yatris' were staying and that he was not making any speeches or holding press conferences. However, she said, all these were proved wrong.

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Referring to Smriti's allegation that Rahul did not visit the Vivekananda Memorial in Kanyakumari at the time of launch of the yatra, Shrinate said what the minister did not knew that there were videos of the Congress leader praying tributes at the venue and doing a 'parikrama'.

"A lot of lies are being spread about Rahul-ji. They should start Rahul Gandhi Troll Ministry and put Smriti Irani as the in-charge. She does not talk when atrocities are committed against women," she said.

Asked about BJP’s claims that Gujarat victory shows that the party will win 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Shrinate shot back saying what would the rival party talk about Congress’ victory in Himachal Pradesh and BJP’s loss in Delhi municipal polls.

“Don’t read too much into their claims,” she said.