Pranab Mukherjee’s daughter slams Rahul Gandhi’s 'bhakt-chelas', criticizes brother over Congress allegiance

Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, has publicly criticized Congress party loyalists who labeled her father a “Sanghi” following his visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Nagpur. In a social media post, she challenged these supporters to question Rahul Gandhi, referencing an incident when Gandhi hugged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament. This act was controversial, especially after Sonia Gandhi, Rahul’s mother, had referred to Modi as “maut ka saudagar” during the Gujarat riots. Sharmistha’s post emphasized that by the same logic, Rahul Gandhi’s actions could be seen as aligned with Modi.

Sharmistha’s remarks also targeted the internal contradictions within Congress’s leadership. She directly questioned Rahul Gandhi’s ability to revive the party, given the leadership of individuals she described as “vicious fools and sycophants.” In a follow-up post, she wrote, “All the best to @RahulGandhi to revive Congress with this bunch of vicious fools & sycophants!” This remark reflected her frustration with the direction Congress is taking and her doubts regarding its future under the current leadership.

Sharmistha’s comments also extended to her brother, Abhijit Mukherjee, who had defended Congress after their father’s passing in 2020. Abhijit had stated that COVID-19 restrictions during the time of Pranab Mukherjee’s death in August 2020 had limited attendance at the funeral. Only 20 family members and friends were allowed due to lockdown protocols. He explained that while Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had visited the family, they were unable to hold a larger gathering or rally due to the pandemic restrictions.

In response to her brother's defense, Sharmistha criticized Abhijit for seeking to rejoin the Congress party, which she believed had failed to properly honor their father’s legacy. She referred to Abhijit’s previous controversial “dented and painted” comments made about the Nirbhaya gangrape protesters in 2012, and accused him of aligning himself with a party that, according to her, regularly disrespects their father’s memory. Sharmistha expressed, “Shame is on the person who, for some petty crumbs, wants to rejoin a party whose followers abuse his father day-in and day-out in the most vilest manner.”

Additionally, Sharmistha, who distanced herself from active politics after quitting Congress, took the opportunity to comment on the legacy of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26. While she refrained from engaging in the ongoing controversy regarding a potential memorial for Singh, Sharmistha suggested that Singh, who played a key role in India’s economic reforms and modernization, should be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honor. She voiced her support for recognizing Singh’s significant contributions to India’s development.

Rahul’s Bhakt-chelas who call my father ‘Sanghi’ for his RSS visit, I dare them to question their leader on why did he hug @narendramodi in parliament whom his mother called ‘maut ka saudagar’? By their convoluted logic, Rahul then should be seen as his accomplice.

— Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) December 30, 2024