Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday targeted the Narendra Modi government, saying that the biggest challenge India is witnessing is the attack on its democracy.
While speaking at an event at EIA University of Colombia, Rahul Gandhi spoke over the issue of “structural flaws” and suggested that the country’s diverse traditions must be allowed to thrive.
‘Biggest challenge is the attack on democracy’
Rahul Gandhi said, “India has strong capabilities in areas like engineering and healthcare, so I am very optimistic about the country. But at the same time, there are also flaws in the structure that India has to correct. The biggest challenge is the attack on democracy taking place in India.”
The Congress MP backed his remarks by stating that the democratic system remains crucial for diversity, allowing different traditions, customs, and ideas, including religious beliefs, to thrive. However, he added, the democratic system in India is under attack, which is a “major risk” or threat.
‘Different traditions, religions, and ideas require space’
“India has multiple religions, traditions, and languages — in fact, the country is essentially a conversation between all these people and cultures. Different traditions, religions, and ideas require space, and the best method for creating that space is the democratic system,” Gandhi said.
‘It is crucial to allow diverse traditions to thrive’
“Currently, there is a wholesale attack on this democratic system, and that is a major risk. Another big risk is the tension between different conceptions in parts of the country. With 16-17 major languages and many religions, it is crucial to allow these diverse traditions to thrive and give them the space they need,” he added.
Furthermore, Gandhi lashed out at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) duo, saying that “cowardice” was at the heart of their ideology.
