Priyanka Gandhi has strongly defended her brother, Rahul Gandhi, amid an ongoing controversy stemming from remarks he made about China’s alleged annexation of Indian territory. Her response came just a day after the Supreme Court criticized Rahul Gandhi during a hearing, questioning his statement that China had seized over 2,000 kilometers of Indian land. The court went as far as to remark that “a true Indian wouldn’t say it,” sparking backlash from the Congress party.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Priyanka Gandhi firmly asserted that it is not the judiciary’s role to determine who qualifies as a “true Indian.” Emphasizing the separation of powers, she said, “With all due respect to the judiciary, it is not for them to determine who is a true Indian and who is not. The judges will not decide that.”
Defending Rahul Gandhi’s remarks made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in December 2022, she said he was merely fulfilling his responsibility as Leader of the Opposition by questioning the government. She also underlined his respect for the Indian Army, countering the narrative being pushed by the ruling BJP.
The Supreme Court’s stay on defamation proceedings against Rahul Gandhi in a Lucknow court has not quelled the political storm. The BJP used the court’s comments to launch fresh attacks on Gandhi, branding him a “China guru” and accusing him of siding with foreign forces and disrespecting Indian soldiers. The ruling party further alleged that the Congress, under his leadership, harbors hatred for the armed forces and serves foreign interests.
In response, the Congress party has accused the Modi-led government of presiding over India’s most significant territorial loss since 1962, citing the Galwan Valley clash and other incursions. They claimed the government continues to mislead the public through a strategy they dubbed the “DDLJ policy” – Deny, Distract, Lie, and Justify.
As tensions between the judiciary, political parties, and public discourse escalate, this incident highlights the larger debate around national security, freedom of speech, and the role of opposition in a democracy. The Congress party has doubled down on its stance that the government is failing to address China’s aggression seriously, while the BJP frames the opposition’s statements as unpatriotic and damaging to national interests.
