Ajit Karn
In the midst of a political uproar over Rahul Gandhi’s “democracy under attack” remarks in the United Kingdom, Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal stated on Wednesday that criticising the government, whether at home or abroad, is a citizen’s right and does not equate to criticising India or being unpatriotic.
The remarks made by Mr. Gandhi during his recent visit to the United Kingdom have shocked Parliament, with both Houses neglecting to conduct significant business during the first three days of the second half of the budget session.
Former Union minister Sibal stated in a tweet: “Why Is There a Logjam in the Home? Government and India are not synonymous, and neither is Government and India synonymous. It is a citizen’s privilege to criticise the government at home and abroad. This does not constitute criticism of India or unpatriotism.” “Modi ji did it frequently in the past,” added Mr. Sibal, an eminent advocate who on Saturday set out a new agenda and vision for the country with his newly-launched anti-injustice platform ‘Insaaf’
Mr. Sibal, who served as a Union minister during the UPA I and UPA II, resigned from the Congress in May 2012 and was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an independent with the support of the Samajwadi Party.
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During his interactions in the United Kingdom, Mr. Gandhi asserted that the structures of Indian democracy and the institutions of the country are under attack.
Additionally, the former president of the Congress informed British parliamentarians in London that microphones are frequently “turned off” in the Lok Sabha when an opposition member raises an important issue.
Mr. Gandhi’s remarks sparked a political brawl, with the BJP accusing him of maligning India abroad and pursuing foreign intervention, and the Congress retaliating against the ruling party by citing instances of Prime Minister Modi bringing domestic politics to the international stage.
