New Delhi, June 18:
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has described the Congress party as a “resistance movement” committed to protecting equality and democratic values, arguing that India's political landscape has fundamentally changed under the current ruling establishment.
Speaking at a meeting of the INDIA alliance in Delhi on June 8, Gandhi said the Congress evolved from a political organization into a resistance movement during the freedom struggle after Mahatma Gandhi set the goal of achieving independence from British rule. He drew parallels between that period and the present political environment, claiming that institutions meant to function independently are facing unprecedented pressure.
Gandhi argued that unlike many political parties, Congress was not built with the support or protection of the state, but emerged through struggles against colonial rule. He said the party’s historical role was to defend the rights and equality of all Indians.
The Congress leader also expressed concerns over the functioning of key democratic institutions. According to him, agencies and institutions that are expected to operate independently are no longer providing a level playing field for political competition. He alleged that the ruling establishment exercises significant influence over various arms of governance, including administrative and electoral institutions.
His remarks appeared to challenge the belief among several opposition allies that constitutional institutions alone can safeguard democracy. Gandhi stressed that political resistance and public participation remain essential to protecting democratic values and citizens’ rights.
The comments are likely to intensify the ongoing political debate between the opposition and the ruling alliance over the state of democratic institutions, governance, and electoral fairness in the country.
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