NEW DELHI: Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of causing significant damage to India's democratic institutions over the past 12 years, expressing confidence that the country's electorate would eventually bring about a return to proper governance.In an interview with The Hindu, Sonia said the damage extended to the country's democratic fabric and institutions, adding that people were increasingly recognising the consequences of the government's actions."Over the last twelve years, great damage has been done to the fabric of our country, our democracy and our institutions," she said.She expressed optimism about the country's political future, while acknowledging that restoring democratic institutions and governance would require considerable time and effort, even after the present government leaves office."Even after this government goes, it will take time to restore our systems to health, and great effort from political parties. People are now beginning to be restless and recognising the damage. But I am optimistic, and I know that the people of India will welcome a return to proper governance," she said.Sonia Gandhi on the 1975…
'Democratic rights were curtailed constitutionally': Sonia Gandhi reflects on Emergency
In short
Sonia Gandhi cited violent protests and incitement within the armed forces as the driving factors behind Indira Gandhi's 21-month Emergency, noting that elections were ultimately called in March 1977 alongside an apology. She expressed confidence that citizens will embrace a return to proper institutional norms despite extensive damage under the present regime. In response, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal dismissed her claims, arguing that the Modi administration has fortified democratic frameworks and offering to debate the issue if formally requested.
Key points
- The opposition leadership contends that repairing the damage inflicted on national instit…: The opposition leadership contends that repairing the damage inflicted on national institutions over the past 12 years will require immense effort.
- Defending the 1975 measures, the Congress party maintains that extreme public instability…: Defending the 1975 measures, the Congress party maintains that extreme public instability and security concerns justified the constitutional intervention.
- The ruling government insists that democratic frameworks have been reinforced under Prime…: The ruling government insists that democratic frameworks have been reinforced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has offered a formal debate.