Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has alleged that “great damage” has been done to India's democratic fabric and institutions over the past 12 years under the Narendra Modi government.
In an interview with The Hindu, Gandhi said it would take time to restore the systems to health even after the current 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.
The Congress leader, however, expressed optimism, saying people were beginning to feel restless and recognise the damage.
“I am optimistic, and I know that the people of India will welcome a return to proper governance,” she said.
Gandhi's sharp criticism of the BJP government comes amid nationwide protests led by the Congress, along with other INDIA bloc constituents, against the alleged electoral malpractices and vote theft.
The Congress has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that he is acting at the behest of the Modi government.
In the interview, Gandhi reiterated the Opposition's allegations of electoral malpractice, claiming that people were increasingly aware that several elections had been stolen.
“What is more, it has been amply proved in recent months that many elections have been stolen, and people are now more aware of it,” she alleged.
Gandhi further alleged that neither the Congress nor any other Opposition party had enjoyed a level playing field since the Modi government came to power.
“Take into account the complete stranglehold they have on all institutions, especially the Election Commission, their control of mainstream media, their money power and their exploitation of religion,” she said.
The Congress leader said her party was working with like-minded parties and that their electoral prospects were improving day by day.
The interview comes ahead of the launch of Gandhi's book, Belonging: A Journey of Love, scheduled for November 10.
Meanwhile, the BJP hit back at Gandhi, asking whether she had forgotten the Emergency, when democracy was curtailed.
“Thousands of senior leaders from various political parties were thrown into jail, and the voices of journalists were silenced. She ought to remember that era as well,” Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal told ANI.
He also pointed out that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had emphatically declared that “India is the mother of democracy”.
