NEW DELHI: After Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, during his visit to Colombia, claimed that the biggest threat to India was an "attack on democracy", senior leaders from the BJP and Janata Dal(United) on Friday accused him of defaming the country on foreign soil. They said that it was not India’s democracy in danger, but it is about Rahul Gandhi’s political existence.
Speaking to IANS, BJP national spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said, “Rahul Gandhi is making a big mistake, and I caution him. Being the Leader of Opposition, he should raise concerns within the country rather than malign it internationally. By going abroad and calling India’s democracy under threat, he is defaming the country. Political differences should be expressed within India. Democracy in India has never been in danger except during the Emergency imposed by the Congress party. Today, democracy is strong and vibrant, supported by a popularly elected government. The country is progressing under the slogan of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’. Rahul Gandhi should stop his habit of defaming India abroad.”
Another senior BJP leader, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, condemned Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party.
“The cunning and scheming of the Congress party and its leaders have turned what was once the party of the nation into a mere neighbourhood outfit. It has transformed the Congress from a home into a nest, and now into a nest of thugs. The Congress remains obsessed with the legacy that ‘India is Indira, and Indira is India’. Similarly, they believe the Congress is the country, and the country is Congress; Congressmen are the country."
"If Congress weakens, they think the country weakens. It is time to break free from this obsessive and narrow mindset. How long will they continue to curse the BJP, curse the RSS, and cling to their political woes? The BJP has become the world’s largest political party despite their curses, while they are left stranded on the banks of the Kosi River, " he added.
Neeraj Kumar, JD(U) spokesperson, also weighed in, criticising Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements and visits.