Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 7: BJP leaders on Saturday strongly criticised Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi over her remarks accusing the Narendra Modi government of damaging India's democracy, institutions and social fabric over the past 12 years, asserting that the country had made significant progress under the Prime Minister's leadership.
The controversy follows an interview given by the 79-year-old Congress leader to the national English daily The Hindu, in which she expressed concern over the state of democratic institutions and governance in the country.
"Over the last twelve years great damage has been done to the fabric of our country, our democracy and our institutions. Even after this government goes it will take time to restore our systems back to health, and great effort from political parties," Sonia Gandhi said.
She further observed that people were increasingly recognising the damage and becoming restless, but expressed optimism that Indians would welcome a return to proper governance.
Reacting to her remarks, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said Sonia Gandhi was entitled to her opinions but maintained that India was progressing across various sectors.
Speaking to reporters, Athawale said the country had attracted global attention with its economy reaching the fourth position in the world. He also highlighted the progress made under the 'Make in India' initiative, stating that increased exports were generating employment opportunities.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh also targeted the Congress leader, questioning her comments on democracy and accusing her of being more concerned about promoting her son, Rahul Gandhi, politically.
Singh said Sonia Gandhi should reflect on the Congress party's inability to return to power in several states for decades. He also demanded that she publicly apologise to the people of India, while raising questions about her citizenship after marrying former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishwas Sarang took a swipe at Sonia Gandhi, saying her ambition to become Prime Minister had remained unfulfilled. He asserted that the BJP government under Narendra Modi had established a system focused on development and public welfare.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said Sonia Gandhi was not in a position to lecture others on democracy, accusing the Congress of having undermined democratic institutions during its tenure.
Recalling the Emergency imposed by the Congress government, Khandelwal said the party had ruled India for nearly six decades but had failed to give the country a strong global identity.
He maintained that over the past 12 years, India had progressed on all fronts under Modi's leadership and had earned a prominent position internationally.
Bihar Minister Pramod Kumar Chandravanshi questioned Sonia Gandhi's understanding of Indian traditions and social systems, including the 'jajmani' system.
He said the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had worked towards preserving India's cultural heritage and protecting traditional social institutions.
BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also rejected Sonia Gandhi's criticism, asserting that the country had witnessed peace, social harmony and economic progress under the present government.
He said the rule of law had prevailed over the past 12 years and highlighted the government's 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' approach. Hussain added that India's economy continued to grow despite conflicts and instability in several parts of the world.
Another BJP leader, Mrityunjay Tiwari, questioned Sonia Gandhi's understanding of India's social unity and cultural traditions, suggesting that she should now retire from active politics.
He also dismissed the possibility of Rahul Gandhi becoming Prime Minister, saying Sonia Gandhi's political ambition of seeing her son occupy the top post would not be fulfilled.