“Will Deal With It”: Rahul Gandhi Says Raising Doubts Over Polls Is Not Enough

New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has said that merely questioning the integrity of elections is insufficient and that the Opposition must actively build mechanisms to counter what he described as the misuse of institutions in India. His remarks were made during an address at the Hertie School in Berlin and have triggered a sharp political response from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
In his speech, Gandhi claimed that India’s institutional framework is under sustained pressure and has been turned into a political tool to benefit the ruling party. He alleged that investigative agencies and enforcement bodies are selectively used against political opponents, while leaders aligned with the government remain untouched. According to him, this imbalance has created an environment where institutions are no longer performing their intended neutral role.
Gandhi further argued that the Congress views institutions as national assets built over decades, not as instruments of political control. He contrasted this with what he described as the ruling party’s approach of treating institutions as extensions of political power. Highlighting financial disparities, he pointed to a vast gap between the resources available to the BJP and those accessible to opposition parties, claiming this has distorted the democratic playing field.
Emphasising the need for a stronger response, Gandhi said the Opposition must move beyond acknowledging problems and develop an organised and effective system of resistance. He described the current political struggle as deeper than electoral competition, framing it as a contest between two visions of India.
On the INDIA alliance, Gandhi said its unity stems from a shared rejection of the ideological position of the RSS. While acknowledging tactical disagreements among alliance partners, he said they remain united when it comes to opposing legislation they disagree with and defending democratic principles in Parliament.
The BJP reacted strongly to Gandhi’s comments, accusing him of criticising India on foreign soil at a time when the country is gaining global recognition. Party leaders alleged that his remarks damage India’s image abroad and described his statements as misleading and politically motivated. The exchange has further intensified the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling party and the Opposition.