Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has asserted that India's democratic system is under a "wholesale attack," sparking strong reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking at EIA University in Colombia, Gandhi expressed optimism about India but cautioned that the nation faces significant risks, with the "single biggest risk" being the assault on democracy.
Gandhi highlighted India's diverse traditions, religions, and languages, emphasizing that a democratic system is essential to provide space for everyone. He argued that the current "wholesale attack" on the democratic system poses a major threat and stressed the importance of allowing diverse traditions to thrive. He contrasted India's decentralized system with China's centralized approach, stating, "We cannot do what China does – suppress voices and run an authoritarian society".
Gandhi also criticized the Indian government's demonetization and GST (Goods and Services Tax) policies, claiming they harmed small and medium-sized businesses while benefiting large monopolies. He said that supporting small businesses is the way forward for entrepreneurship, differing from those in power who believe a few monopolies should control the economy.
The BJP has strongly criticized Gandhi's remarks, accusing him of being "anti-India" and a "Leader of Propaganda" for allegedly targeting Indian democracy on foreign soil. BJP leaders have accused Gandhi of insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said that Gandhi's remarks that there is no democracy in India are an insult to the nation. Another BJP spokesperson said that Gandhi brings shame to the nation.
This is not the first time that Rahul Gandhi has attacked the ruling party from foreign soil. He has repeatedly used overseas platforms to criticize Prime Minister Modi and the BJP, drawing sharp criticism from the government. In 2024, at Cambridge University, Gandhi said that Indian democracy was "under attack," leading BJP leader Anurag Thakur to accuse him of "lying and defaming India".
