Sonia Gandhi Alleges Damage To Fabric Of India Under Modi

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has launched a severe critique against the administration led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the Modi government has caused severe damage to the fabric of India, democratic norms, and key institutions over the last twelve years. She asserted in a recent interview that even after the current government leaves office, significant time and political effort will be required to restore the nation's systems back to proper health. She noted that citizens are increasingly growing restless and recognizing the harm caused, expressing optimism that the public will eventually welcome a return to proper governance.

Addressing the current condition of the opposition, Gandhi rejected notions of pessimism, highlighting that the Congress party and other opposition groups have not experienced a level playing field since the ruling party took power. She pointed to a complete government stranglehold over institutions, especially the Election Commission, mainstream media control, financial superiority, and the political exploitation of religion. Despite facing systematic persecution of party workers and leaders across villages and districts, she maintained that the Congress remains resilient and is actively collaborating with like-minded parties to improve its prospects.

Sonia Gandhi claims the Modi government caused severe harm to India's institutions over twelve years.

Ahead of the November 10 release of her memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', published by HarperCollins India, Gandhi reflected on her political journey and the rise of Prime Minister Modi. She distinguished the ideological background of the ruling leadership from the internal diversity of the Congress party, citing leaders like Dr. Manmohan Singh and Mallikarjun Kharge. She also stated that the thought of accepting the prime ministerial role in 2004 never crossed her mind, describing her past governance experience as a positive team effort with distinct roles.

In swift political retaliation, a Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Maharashtra MLA criticized Gandhi's remarks, dismissing her upcoming book as a self-aggrandizement vehicle aimed at covering up her son Rahul Gandhi's repeated political launch failures. The BJP representative defended the electoral mandate behind Prime Minister Modi's third term, criticized opposition comparisons with neighboring nations, and questioned the Congress party's democratic credentials by referencing the 1975 Emergency.

Why it matters

This high-level political exchange highlights the deepening ideological divide between India's ruling party and the principal opposition ahead of the publication of a major political memoir. For voters and observers in India, these ongoing debates shape public perceptions of institutional integrity, democratic governance, and the future trajectory of national politics.