Rahul Gandhi Criticizes PM Modi Over Youth Congress Raid, Says India Isn’t North Korea
Dissent is the Soul of Democracy, Not a Crime: Congress Leader
India, Feb. 27 — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday strongly condemned the police action against Youth Congress activists involved in the “shirtless protest,” likening the suppression of dissent to authoritarian tactics. “This is India, not North Korea,” he asserted in a social media post in Hindi, emphasizing that peaceful protests are fundamental to democratic society.
Gandhi accused the current government of labelling questioning and dissent as treason and of stifling voices that seek accountability. Highlighting various instances, he said students protesting against paper leaks, women wrestlers demanding justice, and farmers advocating for their rights were all met with intimidation, arrests, or forceful dispersal.
He criticized the treatment of Youth Congress members who opposed a US trade deal, environmental activists, and citizens raising legitimate concerns, arguing that these actions reflect a pattern of undermining democratic norms.
“Democracy strengthens when the government listens, responds, and remains accountable,” Gandhi said, warning that equating the ruling party with the nation and dissent with the enemy endangers India’s democratic fabric.
Focusing on India’s core democratic values, he urged the government to respect criticism and allow space for constitutional protests, reaffirming that asking questions is a sign of civic strength, not weakness.
