Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged that there is a “wholesale attack on the democratic system” in India, stressing that the country’s strength lies in allowing diverse traditions, religions, and languages to flourish.
Speaking at the EIA University in Medellin, Colombia, Gandhi said that India’s social and political design is fundamentally different from China’s, and cannot adopt an authoritarian system.
‘India Cannot Do What China Does’
“We cannot do what China does, which is to suppress people and run an authoritarian system,” Gandhi said. He underlined that India’s system is far more complex, with multiple religions, traditions, and languages shaping the nation’s identity.
“India has multiple religions, traditions and languages. India is actually a conversation between all its people. Different ideas, religions and traditions require space. The best method for creating that space is the democratic system,” he said.
While highlighting India’s spiritual tradition and profound thought systems, Gandhi said he remained optimistic about the country’s future. However, he cautioned against growing threats to democracy.
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“I am very optimistic about India, but at the same time, there are fault lines within the Indian structure, there are risks that India has to overcome. The single-biggest risk is the attack on democracy that is taking place in India,” he stated.
“Currently, there is a wholesale attack on the democratic system in India, so that is a risk. The other big risk is different conceptions — different religions, different languages. Allowing these different traditions to thrive, giving them space to express themselves is very important for a country like India,” Gandhi added.
“Our design will just not accept that,” he asserted.
During his South America visit, Gandhi also met Colombian Senate President Lidio Gracia as part of his four-nation tour.
