Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, claimed that India ceased to be a democracy in 2014 during his address at the Bharat Summit 2026 in Hyderabad on Saturday. Gandhi alleged that the country's institutions have since been taken over by "fascists" and criticized the NDA government over issues including electoral manipulation, the use of institutional power against opposition leaders, and the alleged nexus between business and politics.
During the event, Gandhi contended that the 2014 Lok Sabha elections introduced a new electoral dynamic, involving the injection of "millions and millions of dollars" into the system. He specifically pointed to assembly polls in Maharashtra, where he alleged that despite opposition alliances winning a majority in the Lok Sabha, they were later "decimated." Gandhi claimed that seven million new voters were added to the electoral rolls in a three-month window, asserting that these additions were instrumental in the BJP's success.
The BJP responded sharply to the remarks. Party leader Pradeep Bhandari accused Gandhi of acting at the behest of foreign powers and billionaire George Soros to incite instability in India. In a post on X, Bhandari characterized Gandhi as a "puppet of foreign powers" and alleged that the Congress leader is seeking regime change with the assistance of foreign delegates and organizations. Bhandari further stated that Gandhi’s interaction with international attendees at the summit and his call for the removal of the Narendra Modi government demonstrated an "anti-India" stance.
Addressing the broader political climate, Gandhi noted that he currently faces 45 legal cases and alleged that opposition politicians across the country are similarly targeted. He also referenced the rise of a specific businessman, claiming the individual went from being the world’s sixth-richest to the second-richest through a "fusion of politics and business." Additionally, Gandhi apologized to foreign delegates at the summit whose visas were cancelled, stating it provided a "sense of what we are dealing with within our country."
Key facts
- Rahul Gandhi claimed India ceased to be a democracy in 2014 during the Bharat Summit 2026 in Hyderabad.
- Gandhi alleged 7 million new voters were added in Maharashtra within three months, helping the BJP win assembly polls.
- The BJP, through leader Pradeep Bhandari, accused Gandhi of being a puppet of George Soros and foreign powers.
- Rahul Gandhi stated he faces 45 legal cases across different parts of the country.
- The Congress leader alleged that the BJP's assets increased 11-fold over the last decade.
Why it matters
The exchange highlights a deep polarization between the ruling government and the opposition regarding the state of democratic institutions in India. The government and the opposition remain at odds over the influence of foreign interest in domestic politics and the integrity of the electoral process.
Source: Times of India, News18
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