Rahul Gandhi: PM Modi’s Attack Threatens India’s Democracy

In a fiery address at EIA University in Colombia, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in India’s Lok Sabha, accused the Narendra Modi government of orchestrating an “attack on democracy,” posing the greatest threat to India’s future. Speaking to engineering students, Gandhi emphasized that India’s diverse fabric—encompassing myriad religions, traditions, and languages—relies on a democratic system to ensure inclusivity, but warned that this system is now under siege from all directions.

Gandhi framed his critique within the context of global energy transitions, drawing historical parallels to underscore India’s strategic position. “Empires rise during energy shifts. The British dominated with coal and steam, while the Americans leveraged petrol and the internal combustion engine. Now, the world is transitioning to electric motors and batteries, with the U.S. and China vying for control,” he said, noting that China currently holds the upper hand. Positioning India as a pivotal player caught between the U.S.’s maritime vision and China’s terrestrial ambitions, Gandhi highlighted the nation’s unique strengths. “India, with a population larger than China’s, thrives on its decentralized, diverse system, enriched by an ancient spiritual and ideological tradition that offers solutions for today’s world,” he asserted.

However, Gandhi cautioned that India cannot emulate China’s centralized, suppressive model. “India’s strength lies in its democratic diversity, not in silencing its people,” he said, contrasting India’s potential with China’s authoritarian approach. Turning to global challenges, he linked economic polarization to unemployment, critiquing U.S. President Donald Trump’s divisive tactics, which he said target jobless Americans, particularly those displaced from manufacturing. “India’s economic growth hasn’t translated into jobs because we’re service-driven and lag in production. China excels in manufacturing within a non-democratic system, but India must develop a democratic model to compete,” Gandhi argued, calling for a new production framework that aligns with democratic values.

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Gandhi’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions in India, where debates over governance, economic policy, and democratic institutions continue to intensify. His speech not only targeted the Modi government’s policies but also positioned India as a global player with immense potential to navigate the ongoing energy and economic transitions. By emphasizing the need to protect democracy while fostering inclusive growth, Gandhi called for a reimagined economic model that leverages India’s diversity to compete on the world stage, urging young engineers to contribute to this vision. As India stands at a crossroads, Gandhi’s warnings underscore the critical interplay between democratic integrity and global competitiveness.

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