New Delhi/Colombia: Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that India is facing a “wholesale attack on its democratic system” and highlighted corruption as a major challenge.
Speaking at an interactive session at EIA University in Colombia, Gandhi alleged that three to four major business houses, closely connected to the Prime Minister, have effectively taken over large parts of the Indian economy. He suggested that decentralizing power and increasing transparency could help address corruption, while acknowledging that it is difficult to eliminate entirely.
VIDEO | Colombia: At EIA University, Congress MP & Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, “…In India, we have a huge level of corruption at the centralised level. Three or four businesses are taking over the whole economy, having a direct relationship with the Prime Minister, and it… pic.twitter.com/GXc1yxy8KV
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 2, 2025
On global politics, Gandhi observed that Right-wing governments may eventually be replaced by Left-leaning leadership, but the transition could bring “violence” and “turbulence,” especially as the U.S. loses its global dominance. He emphasized India’s strengths in IT, engineering, healthcare, and traditional knowledge, while stressing the need to strengthen manufacturing to remain competitive internationally.
“India is a country of diverse religions, languages, and traditions. Democracy is the space that allows these differences to coexist. Today, that democratic space is under attack,” Gandhi said, adding that India cannot follow China’s authoritarian model.
During his visit, Gandhi met Colombian Senate President Lidio Garcia Turbay, where the creation of a Parliamentary Friendship Group with India was announced to strengthen political and commercial ties.
Addressing political and social polarization, Gandhi pointed out that job creation is key, noting that the collapse of manufacturing in countries like the U.S. has fueled unrest—a challenge India must tackle while developing a democratic model of industrial growth.
Gandhi’s South America tour, covering four countries with meetings involving political leaders, students, and business communities, has largely remained unpublicized by the Congress party.
BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi
Meanwhile, BJP on Wednesday criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks on democracy and freedom of speech. Speaking to the media, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said that Gandhi “insulting India abroad” would not find public support.
Prasad emphasized India’s growing global stature, noting that the country is the world’s fourth-largest economy and is on track to become the third-largest economy. He added that such statements from Congress leaders undermine India’s achievements and could impact the party’s credibility with voters.
