Sonia Gandhi Says Congress Faces Unfair Competition Under BJP Rule
In an interview with The Hindu, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi claimed the party lacks a level playing field and warned of damage to India's democratic institutions under the current government.
Sonia Gandhi told The Hindu that the Indian electorate is becoming increasingly restless and that the BJP government has caused "great damage" to the country's democratic institutions over the past twelve years. She said the Congress and other opposition parties have not had a level playing field, citing what she described as the ruling party's influence over the Election Commission, mainstream media, financial resources and religious narratives. Gandhi added that, despite these challenges, the Congress is "making progress" and that its prospects are improving day by day.
When asked whether politics could shift back to policy debates if the BJP were defeated in the 2029 Lok Sabha election, Gandhi expressed optimism, stating that people will welcome a return to "proper governance." She also referenced the Emergency of 1975, noting that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi later expressed regret for its excesses and that the decision to lift the Emergency was ultimately made through democratic means.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal responded by recalling the 1975 Emergency, arguing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strengthened democracy and that India is "the mother of democracy." Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh also highlighted that the Congress has not governed any of nine states for four decades and linked the party to the Emergency period.
The Congress has been contesting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging irregularities and claiming that several elections have been "stolen." The party continues to seek cooperation with like-minded opposition groups ahead of future elections.