Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent comments at a seminar in Colombia, where he warned of a “wholesale attack on the democratic system” in India, sparked a sharp response from the BJP on Thursday.

Speaking at EIA University in Medellín during his South America tour, Gandhi drew a clear contrast between India’s democratic framework and China’s authoritarian model. He highlighted India’s cultural and religious diversity as a source of strength. “India has multiple religions, traditions and languages… Different ideas, religions and traditions require space. The best method for creating that space is democracy,” he said, emphasizing that the erosion of democratic values posed the “biggest risk” to the country.

Gandhi also underscored that India could never replicate China’s system of suppressing people, pointing instead to the nation’s spiritual traditions and intellectual heritage as key sources of resilience. “Currently, there is a wholesale attack on the democratic system in India, so that is a risk,” he asserted, adding that nurturing diverse traditions was vital for India’s future.

The BJP reacted swiftly. Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia shared a clip of Gandhi’s remarks on X, accusing him of repeatedly insulting India on international platforms. “Rahul Gandhi does it again, degrades India on foreign soil. From defaming our democracy in London, to mocking our institutions in the US, now in Colombia he spares no chance to insult Bharat globally,” Bhatia wrote.

While the BJP condemned Gandhi’s comments, alleging they tarnish India’s image abroad, the Congress defended him, asserting that his statements reflect genuine concern for democratic principles. During his Colombia visit, Gandhi also met Senate President Lidio Gracia as part of his four-nation South American outreach.