Rahul Gandhi came under attack from the BJP on Tuesday, claiming it is “ironic” that the White House describes India as a “vibrant democracy” while he “shamelessly” continues to undermine India’s government while visiting the US. Syed Zafar Islam, the national spokesperson for the BJP, described it as a sharp jab at the Congress’ “yuvraj”.
The White House rejected worries about the state of democracy in India on Monday, asserting that anyone who decides to visit New Delhi can witness for themselves that India is a flourishing democracy. Later this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to the US on a state visit.
“Isn’t it ironical that while Rahul Gandhi shamelessly continues to criticise our democracy during his US visit, the White House says India is a vibrant democracy? What a tight slap on Yuvraj of the Congress. Under PM Shri Narendra Modi our democracy is safe,” Islam said.
At a news conference in Washington, he was responding to remarks made by John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House’s National Security Council. “India is a vibrant democracy. Anybody that, you know, happens to go to New Delhi can see that for themselves. And certainly, I would expect that the strength and health of democratic institutions will be part of the discussion,” Kirby said.
