Public voice is the heartbeat of any democracy. In India, there is a general discontent whether the foundation and values of democracy remain the same.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has warned of a “wholesale attack on the democratic system” in India. He used these strong words during a speech at EIA University in Medellín, Colombia.
He used the analogy of China, of course not in a positive sense, to drive home his point. He has said that India must nurture its many traditions, unlike China, which he believes “suppresses people and runs an authoritarian system.”
Rahul Gandhi outlined India’s complex social and political fabric. He drew a contrast with China’s model to elaborate his point.
According to reports, he noted that India’s strengths lie in its pluralism and openness, rather than centralisation. “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 was quoted as saying.
He reiterated his optimism about the future of India but cautioned that internal challenges must not be overlooked. “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,” said the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
“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. We cannot do what China does, which is to suppress people and run an authoritarian system,” he added.
Gandhi also underlined the uniqueness of India’s civilisational ethos and its relevance in the modern world. He pointed to India’s spiritual heritage and intellectual depth.
“India also has a very old spiritual tradition and a thought system with profound ideas that are useful in today’s world,” he reportedly said, adding that the country has much to offer in terms of traditional knowledge and modes of thinking.
“Our design will just not accept that,” he asserted, in reference to authoritarianism.
During his visit to Colombia, Gandhi also held a meeting with the President of the Colombian Senate, Lidio Gracia. He is currently on a four-nation tour of South America.
Also Read: Khaki, Candid, Camera-Ready: Rahul Gandhi’s Style Shift https://www.vibesofindia.com/khaki-candid-camera-ready-rahul-gandhis-style-shift/
