BJP Leaders Hit Back at Sonia Gandhi Over Democracy Remarks, Question Congress’s Political Record

Responding to her comments, several BJP leaders defended the Centre’s record, arguing that India had made considerable economic and developmental progress and strengthened its standing internationally.

In an interview with The Hindu, Sonia Gandhi said the country’s democratic institutions had been weakened and that restoring them would require considerable time and effort, even after the present government leaves office.

“Over the last twelve years great damage has been done to the fabric of our country, our democracy and our institutions. Even after this government goes it will take time to restore our systems back to health, and great effort from political parties,” she said.

She added that people were increasingly recognising the damage and expressed optimism that India would eventually return to what she described as proper governance.

Ramdas Athawale defends Centre’s economic record

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said Sonia Gandhi was entitled to her views but maintained that the country was progressing under the present government.

He pointed to India’s economic performance, the expansion of manufacturing and the government’s Make in India initiative, arguing that these efforts had contributed to exports and employment generation.

“However, the country is moving towards progress. The entire world is watching as India's economy has reached the fourth position globally and the country is witnessing significant development,” Athawale said.

Giriraj Singh questions Sonia Gandhi’s criticism

Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched a sharp attack on the Congress leader, questioning her credentials to comment on democracy and accusing her of focusing on Rahul Gandhi’s political ambitions.

He also argued that the Congress had remained out of power in several states for decades and called on Sonia Gandhi to apologise for the party’s record.

Singh further referred to her citizenship history, claiming that she had lived in India for 12 years without acquiring citizenship after marrying former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

BJP leaders invoke Emergency and national development

Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishwas Sarang questioned Sonia Gandhi’s political ambitions, claiming that her aspiration to become Prime Minister had remained unfulfilled. He credited the Modi government with advancing development and welfare programmes.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said the Congress was not in a position to lecture others on democracy, citing the Emergency imposed during its rule. He contrasted the Congress’s nearly six decades in power with what he described as India’s progress over the past 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP leaders raise questions over culture and social harmony

Bihar Minister Pramod Kumar Chandravanshi questioned Sonia Gandhi’s understanding of Indian traditions and social institutions, including the traditional jajmani system. He credited the BJP with working to preserve the country’s cultural heritage.

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also rejected her criticism, claiming that the country had witnessed stronger law and order, social harmony and economic growth under the Modi government.

“Over the past 12 years, the rule of law has prevailed, and the country has been moving forward on the path of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas',” Hussain said.

BJP leader Mrityunjay Tiwari also criticised Sonia Gandhi, questioning her comments on social unity and dismissing the possibility of Rahul Gandhi becoming Prime Minister.