Sonia Gandhi criticizes Modi government and defends Indira Gandhi

In several interviews ahead of her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi alleged that the Narendra Modi government has caused significant damage to India's democracy, institutions, and social fabric over the last 12 years. She claimed that the ruling party maintains a stranglehold on institutions like the Election Commission and mainstream media, and suggested that restoring these systems will require extensive effort even after the current government leaves office.

Gandhi also addressed the 1975 Emergency, defending former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by stating the decision was made constitutionally amidst rapidly deteriorating conditions, including violent protests and civil unrest. She noted that Indira Gandhi eventually expressed regret and apologized for the excesses of that period. Additionally, Gandhi suggested that keeping Sanjay Gandhi in check might have prevented much of the damage caused during the Emergency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has responded to these remarks, with leaders questioning Gandhi's account of the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition and criticizing her stance on the Emergency and the current administration's economic progress.