Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has alleged that the Congress party and other opposition groups have faced a significant lack of a level playing field since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed power in 2014. In an interview conducted ahead of the upcoming release of her memoir, titled "Belonging: A Journey of Love," Gandhi accused the Modi government of maintaining a "stranglehold" over vital democratic institutions, specifically highlighting the Election Commission.
Gandhi’s remarks arrive during a period of heightened friction between the Opposition and the poll body. The Congress-led INDIA bloc recently organized a large-scale demonstration at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on November 1, where they leveled accusations of electoral irregularities against the Election Commission. The coalition has specifically challenged the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with opposition leaders expressing concern that the process could result in the arbitrary removal of eligible voters from the lists. They have further demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
During the interview, Gandhi addressed the perceived decline of the Congress party and its current standing in the national political landscape. While acknowledging that opposition parties are operating under increasingly difficult conditions—citing the government's control over mainstream media, the influence of money, and the exploitation of religion—she stated she was "not so pessimistic" regarding the party's future. She emphasized that the Congress has demonstrated remarkable resilience, noting that it remains the only party capable of withstanding the current political pressure.
The veteran politician claimed that Congress workers across districts and villages continue to fight for the values enshrined in the Constitution despite facing various forms of persecution. Furthermore, Gandhi alleged that several elections in recent months have been "stolen," a sentiment she claims is increasingly recognized by the public. She asserted that the party is currently working alongside like-minded organizations to improve its electoral prospects.
Looking at the broader impact on the nation, Gandhi contended that the last twelve years have inflicted significant damage on India's democratic fabric. She warned that even if there were a change in government, restoring institutional health would require substantial time and effort from political parties. Despite these concerns, she remains confident that the Indian electorate will eventually support a return to what she described as proper governance.
When asked about the political rise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and whether the Congress should seek to learn from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Gandhi dismissed the notion. She highlighted that the Congress has its own history of leadership success, citing figures such as former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and current party president Mallikarjun Kharge. She also reflected on her decision to decline the prime ministership in 2004, confirming that she has never reconsidered that choice. She described her partnership with Dr. Singh as a positive experience where they worked as a team with distinct roles.
Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, which spans 544 pages, is scheduled for release in India on November 10 by HarperCollins India. While the book primarily serves as a personal account of her life, it contextualizes her experiences against the backdrop of significant political events. The publication is expected to provide further insights into her long-standing career in Indian politics.
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