11-04-2023 : The former Congress party president, Sonia Gandhi, wrote an Op-Ed in “The Hindu” where she expressed her concerns about the current state of India’s democracy. She accused the current government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, of misusing every power and systematically dismantling the legislature, executive, and judiciary, which is a demonstration of a deep-rooted disdain for democracy.
Gandhi also alleged that the Prime Minister ignores the rising tide of hatred and violence, egged on by BJP and RSS leaders, and has not once called for peace or harmony or acted to reign in the offenders, let alone bring them to justice. She further criticized the government’s efforts to intimidate and discriminate against people based on their religion, food, caste, gender, or language, especially during religious festivals.
She launched a scathing attack on Modi, saying that his statements either ignore the most pressing issues of the day or are “platitudes and verbal gymnastics” to distract from these matters. Despite his efforts, the people of India cannot and will not be silenced, according to Gandhi.
She underlined that the next few months will be a crucial test of India’s democracy, with elections approaching in several key states, and the Modi government bent on misusing every power. The Congress party will make every effort to take its message directly to the people and will join hands with all like-minded parties to defend the Constitution of India and its ideals.
Gandhi emphasized that the Congress’s battle is for safeguarding the voice of the people and understands its solemn duty as the principal opposition party. Her party is ready to work with all like-minded political parties to achieve this objective.
Furthermore, Gandhi criticized the government’s efforts to undermine the credibility of the judiciary and the media’s independence. She alleged that the government intimidates the media through political pressure and financial might, with evening debates on television news channels emerging as slanging matches to shout down and silence those who question the Centre.
She charged that the current administration was deliberately tearing down the foundations of India’s democracy, disregarding urgent problems, and intimidating and oppressing individuals based on their identity. The Congress party intends to directly address the populace with its message and protect the Constitution alongside other like-minded parties.