 |
|
The recent visit of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to the United States has sparked a heated political debate in India, with his comments on the country's democracy and its border dispute with China drawing sharp criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Gandhi's claims that India's democratic fabric is under attack and that Chinese troops have seized territory in Ladakh, an area the size of Delhi, have been met with staunch denials and accusations of undermining India's interests.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, a prominent BJP figure, has been at the forefront of the counter-offensive against Gandhi's remarks. He categorically rejected the assertion that democracy in India is under threat, pointing to the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi's government between 1975 and 1977 as the only instance when democratic freedoms were curtailed. He stressed that the present government has upheld democratic principles and that such a dark chapter in India's history will not repeat itself. Rijiju further argued that Gandhi's claims about Chinese territorial gains in Ladakh are unfounded, stating that there was no clear demarcation of the border before 1962 and that any recent developments do not constitute a land grab. He accused Gandhi of attempting to denigrate India in front of those who are hostile to the country.
Other BJP leaders, including spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia, have joined Rijiju in condemning Gandhi's statements. Bhatia went further, branding Gandhi as a 'black spot' in Indian democracy and alleging that his criticisms of India's institutions on foreign soil are damaging the nation's global image. The BJP's response underscores the deep political divide in India, with the ruling party accusing the opposition of exploiting international platforms to weaken the country's standing.