During an interaction at EIA University in Colombia on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused the BJP-led central government of orchestrating a "wholesale attack on Indian democracy". He emphasized the importance of India's diverse traditions and the necessity for democratic space, stating that India's strength lies in its ability to foster conversation between its people, traditions, religions and ideas.

Gandhi highlighted the risks of suppressing voices and running an authoritarian system, contrasting India's decentralized system with China's centralization. He stressed that India's design would not accept authoritarianism. He also touched upon the importance of allowing different religions and traditions to thrive within the country.

In addition to his comments on democracy, Gandhi addressed economic issues, linking unemployment to the lack of a large manufacturing base in India. He criticized the government's demonetization and GST policies, which he said harmed small and medium businesses and allowed monopolies to control the economy. He advocated for supporting small businesses as a path to entrepreneurship, contrasting this with the current government's alleged preference for a few monopolies. He also spoke on the economy, health care, AI and geopolitics and drew parallels between India and China.

Gandhi's remarks drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose leaders accused him of defaming the nation and undermining constitutional offices on foreign soil. BJP leaders called him a "Leader of Propaganda" for denigrating Indian democracy abroad and wanting to "fight Indian state". Ravi Shankar Prasad, a BJP leader, criticized Gandhi for making false allegations against Prime Minister Modi and claiming there is no freedom of speech in India. He added that Gandhi has developed a habit of defaming the nation and questioning the freedoms enjoyed by its people, that too while on foreign soil.