Sonia Gandhi should worry about Cong's decline, not democracy: BJP

New Delhi: Several BJP leaders on Saturday criticised Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi over her remarks that the country's democratic institutions had suffered significant damage under the Narendra Modi government, accusing the Congress of having a poor record on democratic governance.

The exchange followed an interview with The Hindu in which the 79-year-old Congress leader said the past 12 years had weakened India's democratic fabric and institutions. She added that restoring them would require considerable time and effort, even after the present government leaves office. However, she expressed optimism about people eventually welcoming a return to proper governance.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale countered her assessment, citing India's economic growth, global standing, exports and employment opportunities under the Modi government.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh questioned Sonia Gandhi's comments on democracy, asking her to focus on the Congress's electoral setbacks rather than criticising the government. He also accused her of prioritising Rahul Gandhi's political ambitions.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal invoked the Emergency imposed during Congress rule, accusing the party of undermining democratic institutions.

Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishwas Sarang and BJP leaders Shahnawaz Hussain and Mrityunjay Tiwari also dismissed her criticism, highlighting the government's development record and questioning her understanding of India's social and cultural traditions.

With IANS inputs