'Not so pessimistic': Sonia Gandhi on Congress's decline
What's the story
In a recent interview with The Hindu, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi expressed optimism about her party's future. She said people are becoming aware of the damage done to India's democracy and institutions under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the past 12 years. "I am not so pessimistic," she said when asked about Congress's decline as India's dominant political force.
Election controversy
Congress protests against CEC over alleged electoral irregularities
The Congress party has been protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities.
They claim that polls have been stolen and are demanding a return to ballot papers.
The party also alleges that the Congress party and other opposition parties have not had a level playing field since this government came to power, citing the latter's control over institutions like the Election Commission and mainstream media.
Counter-arguments
BJP leaders remind Gandhi of her party's past mistakes
BJP leaders have hit back at Gandhi's comments on democracy.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal reminded her of the Emergency in 1975 and accused her of forgetting that period. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening democracy.
Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh pointed out that Congress hasn't held power in nine states for decades and criticized them for imposing the Emergency.
Political compromises
Compromises are sometimes necessary in politics: Gandhi
In her interview, Gandhi also admitted that compromises are sometimes necessary in politics.
However, she clarified that neither she nor her party has ever compromised with the BJP or Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
She defended the decision to impose the Emergency by citing Indira Gandhi's later regret and apology for excesses.
"You know very well that she herself later publicly expressed regret and apologised for excesses during the Emergency," she said.