BJP, RSS dividing India on religious lines: Rahul

Kanyakumari: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the tricolour belongs to every religion, state and language, but it is under attack today by the BJP and the RSS that are dividing India on lines of religion and language. Speaking at the launch of the Bharat Jodo Yatra at a rally here, he said every single institution of the country is under attack as he sought the support of people to help keep the country united. "Our tricolour guarantees the right to practice any religion of choice, but today this flag is under attack," Gandhi said at the rally. He said the tricolour did not come easily as it was earned by Indians of every religion, region and language. He also alleged that India is facing its worst-ever economic crisis along with the highest unemployment rate ever and the country is headed towards disaster.

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi paid floral tributes to his father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at the latter's memorial in Sriperumbudur near here Chennai ahead of the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', and said he lost his father to 'hate and division' and does not want to lose his country. The Wayanad MP, who had arrived here on Tuesday night, began the day by offering tributes to the former prime minister and sat in a silent prayer in his memory. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in a suicide bombing in Sriperumbudur on May 21, 1991. "I lost my father to the politics of hate and division. I will not lose my beloved country to it too. Love will conquer hate.

Hope will defeat fear. Together, we will overcome," Rahul said on Twitter while sharing a picture of him offering floral tributes at his father's memorial. He also shared a live video of his visit to the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. Earlier, Rahul planted a sapling at the memorial. Tamil Nadu Congress chief K S Alagiri and other senior party leaders accompanied Rahul. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin presented Rahul with the national flag made from 'khadi', which was handed over to Seva Dal workers managing the foot march.