Rahul Gandhi’s comments on India’s institutions during an address at Berlin’s Hertie School have sparked a sharp political exchange back home, with the BJP accusing the Congress leader of maligning the country on foreign soil.
Speaking as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi claimed that India’s institutional framework was under “full-scale assault” and had been “weaponised” to benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. He alleged that agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation and intelligence bodies were being misused against political opponents, while cases against BJP leaders were negligible.
Gandhi argued that this imbalance had created an atmosphere where institutions were no longer performing their constitutional roles. He pointed to what he described as a massive disparity in financial resources between the BJP and the opposition, claiming a ratio of nearly 30:1. According to him, the Opposition must go beyond merely questioning elections and instead develop a systematic form of resistance to counter what he sees as institutional capture.
On the INDIA alliance, Gandhi said it was not merely an election-time arrangement but a broader ideological unity. He stated that alliance partners may have tactical differences, but they are united in opposing the ideological position of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He added that the real battle now was for an alternative vision of India, not just electoral victories.
The BJP reacted strongly to Gandhi’s remarks. Party president and Union Minister JP Nadda accused him of “abusing India abroad” at a time when Parliament was in session. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also criticised Gandhi, alleging that he was on a repeated “defame India” campaign and accusing him of praising China while portraying India negatively.
Gandhi’s Berlin speech has once again highlighted the deep political divide between the ruling party and the Opposition, with debates over the role of institutions, democratic fairness and national image taking centre stage in India’s political discourse.
