The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements at a seminar in Colombia, accusing him of deliberately demeaning India on an international stage. On Thursday, October 2, 2025, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia shared a video clip from Gandhi’s address at EIA University, asserting that this incident is just the latest in a series where Gandhi has “degraded India on foreign soil,” citing previous remarks in London and the US.
In the video, Gandhi highlighted what he perceives as fundamental “fault lines” within the Indian structure and identified significant risks the nation must navigate. When pressed to elaborate, the Congress leader pinpointed “the attack on democracy” as the gravest threat. He emphasized that India, with its rich tapestry of multiple religions, traditions, and languages, thrives on conversation and requires ample space for diverse ideas to flourish. According to Gandhi, the democratic system is the most effective way to foster this environment, which is currently under “wholesale attack” in India.
Gandhi further elaborated that another major risk lies in the differing perspectives across the country, given its “16-17 different languages and religions.” He stressed the critical importance of allowing these varied traditions to thrive and express themselves, stating, “We can’t do what China does, which is suppress people and run an authoritarian system.”
In a sharp rebuttal, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia labeled Gandhi’s comments as “disgraceful,” asserting, “This isn’t dissent. It’s disgrace to the fake Gandhi.” Bhatia urged Gandhi to remember his patriotism, stating, “You lost power. Don’t lose patriotism. Criticising BJP may be your right but dare you malign Mother India for your cheap and petty politics.”