Indian democracy is under brutal attack, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under "brutal attack" and there is a full-scale assault on the institutions of the country. Addressing the Indian Journlists Association in London, he said that there are conversations ongoing within the Opposition to unite around an alternative vision for the country and act upon an "undercurrent of anger" over pressing issues such as unemployment, price rise, the concentration of wealth and violence against women.  Congress president referred to the income tax department's recent survey action against the BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai as an example of the “suppression of voice across the country", a motivating factor behind his 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' – which he described as an expression of voice against the ruling BJP's attempt to silence the country.

He added that there are five key aspects of the alleged attack on Indian democracy -- capture and control of media and judiciary; surveillance and intimidation; coercion by federal law enforcement agencies; attacks on minorities, Dalits, and tribals; and shutting down of dissent.  When he was asked about the Congress and Opposition plans for the next general election, Gandhi said the battle at the polls is not just between political parties but also against institutions as there is "no level playing field" in Indian politics.