Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP of Capturing Institutions
Berlin: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated his claim that the BJP had “captured” the country’s institutional framework and described it as an attack on India’s democratic system.
Addressing a gathering at Hertie School in Berlin, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Center had “weaponized” investigative agencies and accused the BJP of using the institutions to consolidate political power.
“Our institutional framework is being taken over wholesale. Our intelligence agencies ED and CBI have been weaponized. ED and CBI have no case against the BJP and most of the political cases are against people who oppose them,” Gandhi said.
He also claimed that businessmen were being pressured not to support Opposition parties. “If you are a businessman and try to support the Congress, you will be threatened. The BJP is using India’s institutional framework as a tool to build political power. Look at the money the BJP and the Opposition have,” he added.
Gandhi said he would create a “system of resistance” against what he called the Congress’ takeover of institutions. “There is an attack on the democratic system. We must find ways to counter this. We are not fighting the BJP, but their takeover of the institutional structure of India,” he said.
Commenting on differences between INDIAN bloc parties in state and local elections, Gandhi said the alliance was united against the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) despite having “tactical contests” with each other.
“All parties of the INDIA alliance do not agree on the core ideology of the RSS. We are united on this question but have tactical disagreements. We are together in Parliament and will challenge the BJP on laws with which we disagree,” he said.
Gandhi also accused the BJP of proposing to abolish the Constitution and the idea of equality. “This is a deeper battle than simple elections. We are fighting for an alternative vision of India. The BJP proposes the abolition of the Constitution and equality between states, languages and religions,” he said.
He said many Indians do not support the vision of the Center and RSS and see India as a complex and diverse nation. Gandhi said, “Will you be governed by the whims of a single person or by a speech? India is too complex and diverse for a single person to decide its future.”
“A few people support Prime Minister Modi, but many do not agree with his ideology. We believe that this vision will fail and create huge tensions in India. This is the conflict between two visions of India,” he added.
Rahul Gandhi is currently on a five-day visit to Germany.
Earlier too, the Congress MP had alleged institutional takeover by the RSS. During a debate on electoral reforms in Parliament, he had claimed that the Election Commission of India had been “captured” as part of a broader effort to take over the country’s institutions.
