New Delhi, Oct 3 (NationPress) Following Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's recent comments in Colombia that India's greatest peril is an 'attack on democracy', prominent figures from the BJP and Janata Dal(United) sharply criticized him on Friday, asserting that he is tarnishing India's reputation abroad. They insisted that it is not India's democracy that is at risk, but rather Rahul Gandhi's political survival.

BJP national spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain stated, “Rahul Gandhi is making a significant error, and I urge him to reconsider. As the Leader of Opposition, he ought to express his concerns domestically instead of disparaging our nation internationally. By asserting abroad that India’s democracy is threatened, he is slandering our country. Political disagreements should be voiced within India. Democracy in India has only faced threats during the Emergency imposed by the Congress party. Today, our democracy is robust and thriving, buoyed by a government elected by the people. The nation is advancing under the motto of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’. Rahul Gandhi must abandon his practice of maligning India overseas.”

Another senior BJP member, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, condemned Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party.

“The deceitful tactics of the Congress party and its leaders have transformed what was once a national party into merely a local entity. The Congress has morphed from a haven into a den, and now into a lair of rogues. They remain fixated on the notion that ‘India is Indira, and Indira is India’. Likewise, they equate the Congress with the nation, and the nation with the Congress; Congressmen are the nation,” he remarked.

“If Congress weakens, they believe the nation weakens. It’s time to liberate ourselves from this narrow-minded and obsessive thinking. How long will they continue to vilify the BJP, curse the RSS, and wallow in their political misfortunes? The BJP has emerged as the world’s largest political party despite their denunciations, while they remain stranded by the Kosi River,” he added.

Neeraj Kumar, JD(U) spokesperson, also criticized Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks and trips.

“Rahul Gandhi visits Bihar as a political tourist, conducting intensive revision yatras. When the Election Commission of India released the final voter list, he had no grounds left to contest. Now, he travels overseas proclaiming that democracy in India is under threat. This is quite unfortunate. If democracy were genuinely endangered, how could he remain the Leader of Opposition? How is he able to participate in government formation? Democracy is not at risk; rather, it is his political existence that is endangered. Undoubtedly, the people of India are offended by such statements. Anyone who disrespects the Constitution burdens democracy.”

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar also criticized Rahul Gandhi, stating, “We take pride in our democracy, and I declare that with pride. However, what can one do about Rahul Gandhi’s warped mentality? Whenever he travels abroad, he questions the Election Commission, the government, and even the Armed Forces. If Rahul Gandhi was born with such a mindset, he cannot be a leader, as he shows no respect for his homeland. This is his issue, and the country continues to penalize him for it.”

Gandhi spoke at an event at the EIA University in Colombia on Thursday, emphasizing the significance of a democratic framework in a diverse nation and pointing out that India grapples with 'structural flaws'.

“India possesses formidable capabilities in fields such as engineering and healthcare, so I remain very optimistic about the country. However, there are also structural flaws that need addressing. The most significant challenge is the ongoing 'attack on democracy' in India,” Gandhi remarked.