Political tensions boil over as BJP demands Rahul Gandhi address 'hateful' remarks and alleged plots for unrest.

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BJP president Nitin Nabin on Friday questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's silence over Jharkhand minister Irfan Ansari's remarks about 40 lakh youths being ready to take to the streets, alleging that the Congress was seeking to create instability in the country under Gandhi's leadership.

In a sharp attack on the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Nabin accused him of tacitly endorsing Ansari's comments and demanded an explanation from him.

"Rahul Gandhi ji, ministers from your party in Jharkhand are openly declaring that the Congress is ready to create instability in the country at your behest and plunge India into the fire of anarchy," Nabin said in a post on X.

Questioning Gandhi's silence, the BJP chief asked whether it amounted to tacit approval of the minister's statement and alleged that a plan to spread unrest was being pursued under his direction.

"Is the script to spread instability and anarchy in the country being written at your own behest? Is the remote control of this entire conspiracy in your hands?" he asked.

Nabin further questioned why those allegedly threatening the country's stability were receiving the Congress leadership's support, adding that the nation expected answers from Gandhi.

"Your silence is deepening these serious questions," he said.

What Irfan Ansari said

The BJP president's remarks came after Jharkhand minister and Congress leader Irfan Ansari alleged that the policies of the Narendra Modi government had pushed the country into a state of widespread discontent.

According to PTI, Ansari claimed that around 40 lakh youths were waiting for a signal to protest against the government, but were being restrained by Rahul Gandhi.

"As many as 40 lakh youths are on the streets… They just need an order. They will (however) not go beyond Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi has held back the youth," Ansari said.

He also questioned whether the government would be able to contain the protests by deploying security forces, arguing that students, farmers, the middle class, Dalits, Adivasis and Muslims were all facing difficulties.

"There are 40 lakh youths. How much sena (armed forces) will you (government) call? Can they stop our students?" he said.

Ansari further warned that the country could face an emergency-like situation if Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not take note of the growing discontent.

"If the country's prime minister does not wake up to this, an emergency is bound to happen here. You will see it," he added, according to PTI.

The minister made the remarks while responding to questions on several issues, including the Centre's recent decision on the Agniveer recruitment scheme, Rahul Gandhi's recent statements and the US midterm elections.

Nabin subsequently seized on Ansari's comments to target the Congress leadership, insisting that Gandhi clarify his position on the minister's remarks.