Rahul Gandhi at EIA University: "Attack on Democracy" is India's Biggest Threat

Rahul Gandhi is speaking at EIA University in Colombia

The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has stated that the "attack on democracy" represents the greatest threat to India during an interaction at EIA University in Colombia. Gandhi emphasized, "India possesses numerous religions, traditions, and languages. A democratic system provides space for everyone. However, currently, the democratic system is under attack from all directions." The BJP has responded forcefully, labeling Gandhi as the "Leader of Propaganda" and criticizing him for targeting Indian democracy while on foreign soil.

When questioned about India's growing global relevance, Gandhi responded, "India has tremendous potential with its 1.4 billion population. But India operates under a completely different system than China. China maintains a highly centralized and uniform approach. India, conversely, is decentralized with multiple languages, cultures, traditions, and religions. India's system is significantly more complex."

Gandhi expressed optimism about India's potential global contributions while acknowledging challenges. "The single greatest risk is the ongoing attack on democracy. India represents a conversation among all its citizens. Different traditions, religions, and ideas require space. The democratic system offers the best method for creating that space. Currently, India is experiencing a wholesale attack on its democratic system," he stated. He further identified the division between different regions as another risk. "We have approximately 16-17 different languages and various religions. Allowing these diverse traditions to flourish and providing them space for expression is crucial for India. We cannot emulate China's approach of suppressing people through an authoritarian system. Our design will not accommodate that."

Speaking to engineering students, Gandhi discussed historical energy transitions and empire formation. "The British controlled steam engines and coal, becoming a superpower. We in India contested that empire and eventually achieved independence in 1947. Following the British, Americans managed the transition from coal and steam to petrol and internal combustion engines. Now we face a new transition to electric motors, shifting from fuel tanks to batteries. The fundamental struggle between the US, with its maritime worldview, and China, with its terrestrial perspective, centers on who will manage this transition," Gandhi explained, adding that "the Chinese are currently prevailing."

Regarding India's position, he noted, "India neighbors China and maintains a close partnership with the US. We are positioned precisely where these forces are colliding."

Discussing the United States, the senior Congress leader remarked that President Donald Trump's polarization campaign targets the unemployed. "Despite India's economic growth, we struggle to provide employment because our service-based economy lacks production capacity. In America, most individuals polarized by Trump are those who have lost manufacturing jobs. China has demonstrated production capability in a non-democratic environment, but we require a democratic structure. Therefore, the challenge involves developing a production model within a democratic framework that can compete with China."

The BJP strongly criticized the Opposition Leader's remarks. "Once again, Rahul Gandhi behaves like LoP - Leader of Propaganda. He travels abroad and attacks Indian Democracy! After all, he wants to fight (the) Indian state! Sometimes demands that the US and the UK should intervene in our affairs, and now this. From Sena to Judiciary to Sanvidhan to Sanatan," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla posted on X.