The Raza Qadri case that has come back to haunt Congress

Raza Qadri case: Do you remember the name Raza Qadri? If not, you’re not to blame. It’s not a name that’s likely to be on the tip of your tongue. However, for those even remotely connected to Congress, the name Raza Qadri may bring back uncomfortable memories that they’d rather forget, perhaps for months, if not years.

In the past, Congress has been quite meticulous about mentioning every minute detail of their activities, especially when it comes to their prominent leader, Rahul Gandhi. They’ve been quick to share where he ate, where he slept, and even the specific T-shirt he wore. It’s all part of their strategy to connect with the public and appear relatable.

However, amidst all the spotlight and attention, there’s a name that conveniently seems to have slipped through the cracks. That name is Raza Qadri, and his story is a stark reminder of the flip-flop policies that Congress has often been accused of.

In February 2023, Raza Qadri, a 26-year-old resident of Niwari district near Jhansi in Madhya Pradesh, embarked on a journey that would forever change his life. He was detained while displaying a placard inside the Holy Kaaba in Makkah. This placard expressed his support for Bharat Jodo Yatra, a cause championed by Congress. Raza even took a photograph with the placard in front of the Holy Kaaba. Within two days, Saudi security forces had tracked him down to the hotel where he was staying with other pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh. They detained him, and the story took a dark turn.

What many might not know is that displaying any type of flag or placard is considered unlawful in Saudi Arabia, including at Islamic holy sites. The Indian Consulate has repeatedly warned fellow citizens not to display any kind of flag within the prohibited areas and not to pick up items found on the ground. Ignorance of these rules can lead to dire consequences, as Raza Qadri found out the hard way.

Also read: Abhishek Manu Singhvi forced to delete his tweet criticizing Congress’ “Divide and Rule” policy

To make matters worse, it was revealed that a visa agent had reported Raza to the Saudi government, resulting in his detention. In exchange for this information, the agent was awarded a sum of 15,000 riyals. Raza’s life took a nightmarish turn as he was held in a dark room for two months, surviving on nothing but bread. Some accounts even suggest that he was subjected to 99 lashes as punishment.

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After this grueling ordeal, Raza was moved to a regular jail, where he spent an additional six months before finally returning to India. Remarkably, during this harrowing period, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did not post a single tweet or make a public statement about Raza’s plight. It’s a stark contrast to the attention and support that Congress usually offers its ‘prized communities.

Raza Qadri’s story serves as a reminder of the delicate line that Congress walks when it comes to minority rights and political agendas. While they strive to champion the cause of various communities, they must also be cautious of the consequences their actions may have, especially in international settings.

The flip-flop policies of Congress on minority issues could have long-term implications for the party. On one hand, they are criticized for not doing enough to protect the rights and interests of minority communities. On the other hand, their involvement in certain incidents, like Raza Qadri’s case, raises questions about their judgment and priorities.

In a political landscape where every move is scrutinized, Congress finds itself in a challenging position. The delicate balance between championing the rights of minorities and ensuring the best interests of the nation is not easy to maintain. The Raza Qadri episode highlights how a seemingly well-intentioned act can lead to unintended and severe consequences, both for the individuals involved and for the reputation of the party itself.

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