Rahul Gandhi calls Indian democracy a global asset, targets Modi govt

Hyderabad: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday described Indian democracy as a global asset, alleging that democratic institutions in the country had been systematically weakened under the ruling government and calling for international solidarity against authoritarianism.

Addressing the Bharat Summit in Hyderabad, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha welcomed international delegates and apologised to guests who were allegedly prevented by the government from attending the event.

Gandhi criticised what he described as an unhealthy relationship between politics and business and raised concerns over the integrity of electoral processes. He claimed that 140 million voters had been classified as non-existent or illegal by the Election Commission and questioned the outcome of the 2024 general elections.

Referring to Maharashtra, he also alleged that seven million voters were added ahead of the Assembly elections, contributing to a dramatic reversal of the earlier electoral outcome.

Despite facing 45 legal cases, Gandhi said the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir had taught the Congress the importance of building direct connections with ordinary people.

Describing Indian democracy as a vital public good for more than 1.5 billion people, he predicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's defeat, insisting that the political struggle would be pursued through truth and non-violence rather than hatred or violence.

With IANS inputs