As part of his efforts to reach out to the diaspora, Congress president Rahul Gandhi told Indians in Bahrain that they are “important” to the country, and that “there is a serious problem at home.” Gandhi was received by members of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at the airport when he arrived in Bahrain on Jan. 8.
Gandhi addressed a convention of NRIs organized by GOPIO, which includes delegates of 50 countries, and said, “I am here to tell you what you mean to our country, that you’re important, to tell you there is a serious problem at home, to tell you that you are part of the solution and that I am here to build a bridge between wherever you are in the world and home.”
He criticized the Modi-led BJP government for the unemployment of youth in the country, that he said was causing hatred and anger among people. “The anger is visible in streets and is rising rapidly,” he said, the Indian Express reported. “The government, on the other hand, is busy converting the fear into hatred between communities.” Gandhi added that NRIs are needed to protect the idea of India that is deeply cherished.
He also accused the government of dividing countrymen on the basis of religion and caste. Gandhi presented his vision, saying that his party will endeavor to change and give the people “a new shining Congress party.” He admitted that mistakes have been made by him as well as his party. “We will have to present a new Congress, a new vision that is something you trust. You will see a dramatic change in the Congress party, you would believe you can trust,” he said.
Adding that the Congress had overpowered the British as India gained Independence, he claimed that the party knows how to fight. “This party has so much power that it will defeat the BJP in 2019,” he said.
This is Gandhi’s first official foreign visit after taking over as the president of the Congress. Stating that NRIs are the true representatives of soft power and the brand ambassadors of India across the globe, Gandhi had earlier said on social media that he was looking forward to address them in Bahrain.
NRIs are the true representatives of our soft power and the brand ambassadors of our nation across the globe. Looking forward to meeting and addressing fellow countrymen in Bahrain tomorrow.
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 7, 2018
The Congress leader also met Prince Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain and posted updates about it on social media.
Highlights from the meeting with HH Prince Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa @khalidbinhamad @hhskmedia #RahulGandhiInBahrain pic.twitter.com/rn3YbyJU15
— Congress (@INCIndia) January 8, 2018
Had a good meeting with Crown Prince of Bahrain, H.R.H. Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. We discussed a variety of issues of interest to India and Bahrain. @BahrainCPnews pic.twitter.com/BxHm9AttmG
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 8, 2018
Gandhi had earlier tried to woo NRIs during his visit to the United States last year, when he delivered a speech in New York, urging the community to join forces with his party and thanking them for their contribution in various fields.