Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju launched a scathing attack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Sunday over his recent remarks in Colombia, alleging that he is the first Leader of Opposition (LoP) to have publicly criticised India’s democracy and system on foreign soil.
In an interview, Rijiju asserted that even former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, during her time as LoP after losing elections, never spoke against the country abroad. "Show me one LoP who has ever gone outside India and made statements against the country or the Government," Rijiju challenged, naming leaders such as Lal Krishna Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sushma Swaraj, and Sharad Pawar. "Rahul Gandhi is the first LoP who goes abroad and speaks against the country, our system and our democracy," he stated.
The Union Minister further accused Rahul Gandhi of misrepresenting facts, stressing that his actions could tarnish India's global reputation. "I have also heard what Rahul Gandhi said in Colombia, he said India cannot lead the world. What he said is very wrong. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has taken lead in various fields," Rijiju said, cautioning that if people abroad gained the impression that everyone in India thought like Rahul Gandhi, it would damage the nation's standing.
Rahul Gandhi made his comments during an event at EIA University of Colombia, where he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of "attacking India's democracy." He maintained that while India boasts strong capabilities in areas like engineering and healthcare, the "biggest challenge is the attack on democracy taking place in India."
Rahul, further, argued that the democratic system remains crucial for enabling the nation’s diversity — its multiple religions, languages, and traditions — to thrive as a "conversation between all these people and cultures." He warned that a "wholesale attack" on this system constitutes a "major risk" or threat.
Gandhi also took a sharp swipe at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-BJP duo, alleging that "cowardice" was at the heart of their ideology. He referenced a statement from the Foreign Minister: "If you notice a statement of the foreign minister, he said, 'China is much more powerful than us. How can I pick a fight with them?' At the heart of the ideology is cowardice."
The BJP has raised strong objections against Rahul Gandhi's remarks, labelling them as "anti-India" and "insulting" to the nation.
Also read: Own failures, stop blaming institutions: Rijiju tells Rahul
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