Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a broadside attack from abroad against the Narendra Modi government a day before the start of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, alleging that “the democratic and institutional structure of India is under attack from the group of people who are running India”.
The claims that democracy is under attack in India, the voice of the Opposition is being stifled and constitutional institutions are being captured have been among the constant themes of Rahul’s foreign visits. But it is the first time that the Congress leader has gone on record to state that he has discussed what he called “the attack on democratic institutions” in India with foreign lawmakers.
Rahul Gandhi addressing a press conference in Brussels, appeared to praise China over its manufacturing capability as he claimed that the Indian government lacks an “alternative vision” to manufacture within the country. The comments by the Congress leader comes at a time when Beijing is increasingly being isolated at the global stage.
As Rahul Gandhi was asked a question on Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge not being invited to the G-20 dinner, he said the BJP does not value the leader of 60% of India’s population. “There is a lot to think about. What is the need for that?” Rahul Gandhi said.
“Our position on Article 370 is very clear. It’s in a resolution passed in the CWC. We are for ensuring that every single person in our country has a voice, and is allowed to express themselves. We feel very strongly that Kashmir should develop, Kashmir should progress, and there should be peace,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Rahul Gandhi is on a week-long Europe tour where he is scheduled to meet the Indian diaspora and the EU lawyers. The programme is being coordinated by the Indian Overseas Congress.