\n<\/p>\n
Last Updated:<\/span>October 05, 2025, 16:44 IST<\/time><\/p>\nKiren Rijiju criticised Rahul Gandhi for his remarks at EIA University of Colombia, accusing him of harming India’s image and democracy.<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\nKiren Rijiju and Rahul Gandhi. (File)<\/p>\n<\/figure>\nUnion Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday lashed out at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his controversial remarks at an institution in Colombia, and accused him of damaging India\u2019s global image and undermining its democratic institutions while speaking abroad.<\/p>\nIn an interview with news agency ANI<\/em>, the Union Minister said that Gandhi is the first LoP who defames the country at an international platform.<\/p>\n\u201c\u2026Show me one LoP who has ever gone outside India and made statements against the country or the Government. Rahul Gandhi is the first LoP who goes abroad and speaks against the country, our system and our democracy,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n#WATCH<\/a> | Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says in an interview to ANI, \u201c\u2026Show me one LoP who has ever gone outside India and made statements against the country or the Government. Rahul Gandhi is the first LoP who goes abroad and speaks against the country, our system and our\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/v8AOu2ty6r<\/a>\u2014 ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nFurther reacting to Gandhi\u2019s comments that India \u201ccannot become a global leader under current conditions,” the Union Minister said such statements misrepresent the nation and its potential on the world stage. \u201cThere are intelligent people in our country, we have good leaders and people with good ideology. But if Rahul Gandhi speaks like this, people would think that such people are higher in number in India. This is not right,” he added.<\/p>\n\n\n#WATCH<\/a> | On Lok Sabha LoP-Congress MP Rahul Gandhi\u2019s statements in Columbia, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says in an interview to ANI, \u201c\u2026Our LoP went abroad and said that India cannot be a global leader\u2026There are intelligent people in our country, we have good leaders and\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ylPzLV3T2P<\/a>\u2014 ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nEarlier on Friday, he urged the Congress leader to be \u201cmindful” while speaking abroad.<\/p>\n\u201cWithin India it\u2019s fine, but in a foreign country, one must be mindful as our nation\u2019s image is at stake. Especially, when Indians have high reputation of being logical and intelligent,” he had said in a post on X.<\/p>\nRahul Gandhi\u2019s Remarks Spark Row<\/strong><\/h3>\nA political slugfest broke out between the BJP and the Congress after Gandhi\u2019s controversial remarks in Colombia, where the Congress leader insisted that democracy was at risk in India.<\/p>\nSpeaking at an event at EIA University of Colombia, Gandhi took a swipe at the Narendra Modi government, asserting that the biggest challenge India is witnessing is the attack on its democracy.<\/p>\n\u201cIndia has strong capabilities in areas like engineering and healthcare, so I am very optimistic about the country. But at the same time, there are also flaws in the structure that India has to correct. The biggest challenge is the attack on democracy taking place in India,” Gandhi said.<\/p>\nThe Congress leader argued that the democratic system remains crucial for diversity, allowing different traditions, customs, and ideas, including religious beliefs, to thrive. However, he added, the democratic system in India is under attack, which is a “major risk” or threat.<\/p>\n\u201cThe other risk is the rift between different parts of the country. Some 16-17 different languages and different religions. Allowing these different traditions to thrive, giving them space to express themselves, is very important for India. We cannot do what China does: suppress people and run an authoritarian system. Our design will not accept that,” he said.<\/p>\nThe BJP, however, strongly responded to the Congress MP\u2019s comments and accused him of badmouthing India on foreign soil. Calling him a \u201cLeader of Propaganda”, the party said he \u201cgoes abroad and attacks Indian democracy”.<\/p>\n(With input from ANI)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta<\/a><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 05, 2025, 16:44 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> \u2018First LoP Who Speaks Against India\u2019: Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Colombia Remarks<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Kiren Rijiju and Rahul Gandhi. (File)<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday lashed out at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his controversial remarks at an institution in Colombia, and accused him of damaging India\u2019s global image and undermining its democratic institutions while speaking abroad.<\/p>\n
In an interview with news agency ANI<\/em>, the Union Minister said that Gandhi is the first LoP who defames the country at an international platform.<\/p>\n\u201c\u2026Show me one LoP who has ever gone outside India and made statements against the country or the Government. Rahul Gandhi is the first LoP who goes abroad and speaks against the country, our system and our democracy,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n#WATCH<\/a> | Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says in an interview to ANI, \u201c\u2026Show me one LoP who has ever gone outside India and made statements against the country or the Government. Rahul Gandhi is the first LoP who goes abroad and speaks against the country, our system and our\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/v8AOu2ty6r<\/a>\u2014 ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nFurther reacting to Gandhi\u2019s comments that India \u201ccannot become a global leader under current conditions,” the Union Minister said such statements misrepresent the nation and its potential on the world stage. \u201cThere are intelligent people in our country, we have good leaders and people with good ideology. But if Rahul Gandhi speaks like this, people would think that such people are higher in number in India. This is not right,” he added.<\/p>\n\n\n#WATCH<\/a> | On Lok Sabha LoP-Congress MP Rahul Gandhi\u2019s statements in Columbia, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says in an interview to ANI, \u201c\u2026Our LoP went abroad and said that India cannot be a global leader\u2026There are intelligent people in our country, we have good leaders and\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ylPzLV3T2P<\/a>\u2014 ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nEarlier on Friday, he urged the Congress leader to be \u201cmindful” while speaking abroad.<\/p>\n\u201cWithin India it\u2019s fine, but in a foreign country, one must be mindful as our nation\u2019s image is at stake. Especially, when Indians have high reputation of being logical and intelligent,” he had said in a post on X.<\/p>\nRahul Gandhi\u2019s Remarks Spark Row<\/strong><\/h3>\nA political slugfest broke out between the BJP and the Congress after Gandhi\u2019s controversial remarks in Colombia, where the Congress leader insisted that democracy was at risk in India.<\/p>\nSpeaking at an event at EIA University of Colombia, Gandhi took a swipe at the Narendra Modi government, asserting that the biggest challenge India is witnessing is the attack on its democracy.<\/p>\n\u201cIndia has strong capabilities in areas like engineering and healthcare, so I am very optimistic about the country. But at the same time, there are also flaws in the structure that India has to correct. The biggest challenge is the attack on democracy taking place in India,” Gandhi said.<\/p>\nThe Congress leader argued that the democratic system remains crucial for diversity, allowing different traditions, customs, and ideas, including religious beliefs, to thrive. However, he added, the democratic system in India is under attack, which is a “major risk” or threat.<\/p>\n\u201cThe other risk is the rift between different parts of the country. Some 16-17 different languages and different religions. Allowing these different traditions to thrive, giving them space to express themselves, is very important for India. We cannot do what China does: suppress people and run an authoritarian system. Our design will not accept that,” he said.<\/p>\nThe BJP, however, strongly responded to the Congress MP\u2019s comments and accused him of badmouthing India on foreign soil. Calling him a \u201cLeader of Propaganda”, the party said he \u201cgoes abroad and attacks Indian democracy”.<\/p>\n(With input from ANI)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta<\/a><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 05, 2025, 16:44 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> \u2018First LoP Who Speaks Against India\u2019: Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Colombia Remarks<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201c\u2026Show me one LoP who has ever gone outside India and made statements against the country or the Government. Rahul Gandhi is the first LoP who goes abroad and speaks against the country, our system and our democracy,” he said.<\/p>\n
\n#WATCH<\/a> | Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says in an interview to ANI, \u201c\u2026Show me one LoP who has ever gone outside India and made statements against the country or the Government. Rahul Gandhi is the first LoP who goes abroad and speaks against the country, our system and our\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/v8AOu2ty6r<\/a>\u2014 ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nFurther reacting to Gandhi\u2019s comments that India \u201ccannot become a global leader under current conditions,” the Union Minister said such statements misrepresent the nation and its potential on the world stage. \u201cThere are intelligent people in our country, we have good leaders and people with good ideology. But if Rahul Gandhi speaks like this, people would think that such people are higher in number in India. This is not right,” he added.<\/p>\n\n\n#WATCH<\/a> | On Lok Sabha LoP-Congress MP Rahul Gandhi\u2019s statements in Columbia, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says in an interview to ANI, \u201c\u2026Our LoP went abroad and said that India cannot be a global leader\u2026There are intelligent people in our country, we have good leaders and\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ylPzLV3T2P<\/a>\u2014 ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nEarlier on Friday, he urged the Congress leader to be \u201cmindful” while speaking abroad.<\/p>\n\u201cWithin India it\u2019s fine, but in a foreign country, one must be mindful as our nation\u2019s image is at stake. Especially, when Indians have high reputation of being logical and intelligent,” he had said in a post on X.<\/p>\nRahul Gandhi\u2019s Remarks Spark Row<\/strong><\/h3>\nA political slugfest broke out between the BJP and the Congress after Gandhi\u2019s controversial remarks in Colombia, where the Congress leader insisted that democracy was at risk in India.<\/p>\nSpeaking at an event at EIA University of Colombia, Gandhi took a swipe at the Narendra Modi government, asserting that the biggest challenge India is witnessing is the attack on its democracy.<\/p>\n\u201cIndia has strong capabilities in areas like engineering and healthcare, so I am very optimistic about the country. But at the same time, there are also flaws in the structure that India has to correct. The biggest challenge is the attack on democracy taking place in India,” Gandhi said.<\/p>\nThe Congress leader argued that the democratic system remains crucial for diversity, allowing different traditions, customs, and ideas, including religious beliefs, to thrive. However, he added, the democratic system in India is under attack, which is a “major risk” or threat.<\/p>\n\u201cThe other risk is the rift between different parts of the country. Some 16-17 different languages and different religions. Allowing these different traditions to thrive, giving them space to express themselves, is very important for India. We cannot do what China does: suppress people and run an authoritarian system. Our design will not accept that,” he said.<\/p>\nThe BJP, however, strongly responded to the Congress MP\u2019s comments and accused him of badmouthing India on foreign soil. Calling him a \u201cLeader of Propaganda”, the party said he \u201cgoes abroad and attacks Indian democracy”.<\/p>\n(With input from ANI)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta<\/a><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 05, 2025, 16:44 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> \u2018First LoP Who Speaks Against India\u2019: Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Colombia Remarks<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
#WATCH<\/a> | Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says in an interview to ANI, \u201c\u2026Show me one LoP who has ever gone outside India and made statements against the country or the Government. Rahul Gandhi is the first LoP who goes abroad and speaks against the country, our system and our\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/v8AOu2ty6r<\/a>\u2014 ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nFurther reacting to Gandhi\u2019s comments that India \u201ccannot become a global leader under current conditions,” the Union Minister said such statements misrepresent the nation and its potential on the world stage. \u201cThere are intelligent people in our country, we have good leaders and people with good ideology. But if Rahul Gandhi speaks like this, people would think that such people are higher in number in India. This is not right,” he added.<\/p>\n\n\n#WATCH<\/a> | On Lok Sabha LoP-Congress MP Rahul Gandhi\u2019s statements in Columbia, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says in an interview to ANI, \u201c\u2026Our LoP went abroad and said that India cannot be a global leader\u2026There are intelligent people in our country, we have good leaders and\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ylPzLV3T2P<\/a>\u2014 ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nEarlier on Friday, he urged the Congress leader to be \u201cmindful” while speaking abroad.<\/p>\n\u201cWithin India it\u2019s fine, but in a foreign country, one must be mindful as our nation\u2019s image is at stake. Especially, when Indians have high reputation of being logical and intelligent,” he had said in a post on X.<\/p>\nRahul Gandhi\u2019s Remarks Spark Row<\/strong><\/h3>\nA political slugfest broke out between the BJP and the Congress after Gandhi\u2019s controversial remarks in Colombia, where the Congress leader insisted that democracy was at risk in India.<\/p>\nSpeaking at an event at EIA University of Colombia, Gandhi took a swipe at the Narendra Modi government, asserting that the biggest challenge India is witnessing is the attack on its democracy.<\/p>\n\u201cIndia has strong capabilities in areas like engineering and healthcare, so I am very optimistic about the country. But at the same time, there are also flaws in the structure that India has to correct. The biggest challenge is the attack on democracy taking place in India,” Gandhi said.<\/p>\nThe Congress leader argued that the democratic system remains crucial for diversity, allowing different traditions, customs, and ideas, including religious beliefs, to thrive. However, he added, the democratic system in India is under attack, which is a “major risk” or threat.<\/p>\n\u201cThe other risk is the rift between different parts of the country. Some 16-17 different languages and different religions. Allowing these different traditions to thrive, giving them space to express themselves, is very important for India. We cannot do what China does: suppress people and run an authoritarian system. Our design will not accept that,” he said.<\/p>\nThe BJP, however, strongly responded to the Congress MP\u2019s comments and accused him of badmouthing India on foreign soil. Calling him a \u201cLeader of Propaganda”, the party said he \u201cgoes abroad and attacks Indian democracy”.<\/p>\n(With input from ANI)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta<\/a><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 05, 2025, 16:44 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> \u2018First LoP Who Speaks Against India\u2019: Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Colombia Remarks<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Further reacting to Gandhi\u2019s comments that India \u201ccannot become a global leader under current conditions,” the Union Minister said such statements misrepresent the nation and its potential on the world stage. \u201cThere are intelligent people in our country, we have good leaders and people with good ideology. But if Rahul Gandhi speaks like this, people would think that such people are higher in number in India. This is not right,” he added.<\/p>\n
\n#WATCH<\/a> | On Lok Sabha LoP-Congress MP Rahul Gandhi\u2019s statements in Columbia, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says in an interview to ANI, \u201c\u2026Our LoP went abroad and said that India cannot be a global leader\u2026There are intelligent people in our country, we have good leaders and\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ylPzLV3T2P<\/a>\u2014 ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nEarlier on Friday, he urged the Congress leader to be \u201cmindful” while speaking abroad.<\/p>\n\u201cWithin India it\u2019s fine, but in a foreign country, one must be mindful as our nation\u2019s image is at stake. Especially, when Indians have high reputation of being logical and intelligent,” he had said in a post on X.<\/p>\nRahul Gandhi\u2019s Remarks Spark Row<\/strong><\/h3>\nA political slugfest broke out between the BJP and the Congress after Gandhi\u2019s controversial remarks in Colombia, where the Congress leader insisted that democracy was at risk in India.<\/p>\nSpeaking at an event at EIA University of Colombia, Gandhi took a swipe at the Narendra Modi government, asserting that the biggest challenge India is witnessing is the attack on its democracy.<\/p>\n\u201cIndia has strong capabilities in areas like engineering and healthcare, so I am very optimistic about the country. But at the same time, there are also flaws in the structure that India has to correct. The biggest challenge is the attack on democracy taking place in India,” Gandhi said.<\/p>\nThe Congress leader argued that the democratic system remains crucial for diversity, allowing different traditions, customs, and ideas, including religious beliefs, to thrive. However, he added, the democratic system in India is under attack, which is a “major risk” or threat.<\/p>\n\u201cThe other risk is the rift between different parts of the country. Some 16-17 different languages and different religions. Allowing these different traditions to thrive, giving them space to express themselves, is very important for India. We cannot do what China does: suppress people and run an authoritarian system. Our design will not accept that,” he said.<\/p>\nThe BJP, however, strongly responded to the Congress MP\u2019s comments and accused him of badmouthing India on foreign soil. Calling him a \u201cLeader of Propaganda”, the party said he \u201cgoes abroad and attacks Indian democracy”.<\/p>\n(With input from ANI)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta<\/a><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 05, 2025, 16:44 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> \u2018First LoP Who Speaks Against India\u2019: Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Colombia Remarks<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
#WATCH<\/a> | On Lok Sabha LoP-Congress MP Rahul Gandhi\u2019s statements in Columbia, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says in an interview to ANI, \u201c\u2026Our LoP went abroad and said that India cannot be a global leader\u2026There are intelligent people in our country, we have good leaders and\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ylPzLV3T2P<\/a>\u2014 ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\nEarlier on Friday, he urged the Congress leader to be \u201cmindful” while speaking abroad.<\/p>\n\u201cWithin India it\u2019s fine, but in a foreign country, one must be mindful as our nation\u2019s image is at stake. Especially, when Indians have high reputation of being logical and intelligent,” he had said in a post on X.<\/p>\nRahul Gandhi\u2019s Remarks Spark Row<\/strong><\/h3>\nA political slugfest broke out between the BJP and the Congress after Gandhi\u2019s controversial remarks in Colombia, where the Congress leader insisted that democracy was at risk in India.<\/p>\nSpeaking at an event at EIA University of Colombia, Gandhi took a swipe at the Narendra Modi government, asserting that the biggest challenge India is witnessing is the attack on its democracy.<\/p>\n\u201cIndia has strong capabilities in areas like engineering and healthcare, so I am very optimistic about the country. But at the same time, there are also flaws in the structure that India has to correct. The biggest challenge is the attack on democracy taking place in India,” Gandhi said.<\/p>\nThe Congress leader argued that the democratic system remains crucial for diversity, allowing different traditions, customs, and ideas, including religious beliefs, to thrive. However, he added, the democratic system in India is under attack, which is a “major risk” or threat.<\/p>\n\u201cThe other risk is the rift between different parts of the country. Some 16-17 different languages and different religions. Allowing these different traditions to thrive, giving them space to express themselves, is very important for India. We cannot do what China does: suppress people and run an authoritarian system. Our design will not accept that,” he said.<\/p>\nThe BJP, however, strongly responded to the Congress MP\u2019s comments and accused him of badmouthing India on foreign soil. Calling him a \u201cLeader of Propaganda”, the party said he \u201cgoes abroad and attacks Indian democracy”.<\/p>\n(With input from ANI)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta<\/a><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 05, 2025, 16:44 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> \u2018First LoP Who Speaks Against India\u2019: Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Colombia Remarks<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Earlier on Friday, he urged the Congress leader to be \u201cmindful” while speaking abroad.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithin India it\u2019s fine, but in a foreign country, one must be mindful as our nation\u2019s image is at stake. Especially, when Indians have high reputation of being logical and intelligent,” he had said in a post on X.<\/p>\n
A political slugfest broke out between the BJP and the Congress after Gandhi\u2019s controversial remarks in Colombia, where the Congress leader insisted that democracy was at risk in India.<\/p>\n
Speaking at an event at EIA University of Colombia, Gandhi took a swipe at the Narendra Modi government, asserting that the biggest challenge India is witnessing is the attack on its democracy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndia has strong capabilities in areas like engineering and healthcare, so I am very optimistic about the country. But at the same time, there are also flaws in the structure that India has to correct. The biggest challenge is the attack on democracy taking place in India,” Gandhi said.<\/p>\n
The Congress leader argued that the democratic system remains crucial for diversity, allowing different traditions, customs, and ideas, including religious beliefs, to thrive. However, he added, the democratic system in India is under attack, which is a “major risk” or threat.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe other risk is the rift between different parts of the country. Some 16-17 different languages and different religions. Allowing these different traditions to thrive, giving them space to express themselves, is very important for India. We cannot do what China does: suppress people and run an authoritarian system. Our design will not accept that,” he said.<\/p>\n
The BJP, however, strongly responded to the Congress MP\u2019s comments and accused him of badmouthing India on foreign soil. Calling him a \u201cLeader of Propaganda”, the party said he \u201cgoes abroad and attacks Indian democracy”.<\/p>\n
(With input from ANI)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/span><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta<\/a><\/p>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 05, 2025, 16:44 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> \u2018First LoP Who Speaks Against India\u2019: Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Colombia Remarks<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 05, 2025, 16:44 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> \u2018First LoP Who Speaks Against India\u2019: Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Colombia Remarks<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFirst Published:<\/span><\/p>\n\nOctober 05, 2025, 16:44 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNews<\/a> politics<\/a> \u2018First LoP Who Speaks Against India\u2019: Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Colombia Remarks<\/span><\/div>\n\n\nDisclaimer: Comments reflect users\u2019 views, not News18\u2019s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRead More<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
October 05, 2025, 16:44 IST<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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