Rahul Gandhi Targets BJP Government Over Democracy, Cronyism During Colombia Visit

During his four-day visit to Colombia, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi delivered a stinging critique of the BJP-led central government, accusing it of launching a “wholesale attack” on Indian democracy. Speaking at an interaction at EIA University in Colombia on October 2, Gandhi emphasized that India’s strength lies in its diversity of religions, languages, and traditions, which needs to be nurtured within a democratic framework rather than suppressed by an authoritarian approach like China’s.

Gandhi praised Indian companies like Bajaj, Hero, and TVS for their success in Colombia, highlighting innovation as the key to their achievements. At the same time, he criticized “cronyism,” implicitly targeting the nexus between Indian businesses and political power, often associated with prominent industrialists like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. Gandhi tweeted, “Indian companies can win through innovation, not cronyism,” reflecting his broader accusation against favoritism and centralized control in India’s economy.

He warned about the erosion of India’s democratic fabric, describing the current political scenario as one where voices of opposition are being silenced and diversity of opinions threatened. Gandhi also framed this as the biggest threat to India’s future.

The BJP responded strongly, denouncing Gandhi’s remarks as attempts to defame the country abroad. Party spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala accused him of spreading propaganda, while Pradeep Bhandari labeled Gandhi “anti-India,” blaming the Gandhi family for India’s past economic challenges. BJP leaders stressed India’s rise as a global economic power under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and criticized Gandhi’s comments as driven by jealousy and political bitterness.