‘First LoP Who Speaks Against India’: Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Colombia Remarks

Last Updated:October 05, 2025, 16:44 IST

Kiren Rijiju criticised Rahul Gandhi for his remarks at EIA University of Colombia, accusing him of harming India's image and democracy.

Kiren Rijiju and Rahul Gandhi. (File)

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday lashed out at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his controversial remarks at an institution in Colombia, and accused him of damaging India’s global image and undermining its democratic institutions while speaking abroad.

In an interview with news agency ANI, the Union Minister said that Gandhi is the first LoP who defames the country at an international platform.

“…Show me one LoP who has ever gone outside India and made statements against the country or the Government. Rahul Gandhi is the first LoP who goes abroad and speaks against the country, our system and our democracy," he said.

Further reacting to Gandhi’s comments that India “cannot become a global leader under current conditions," the Union Minister said such statements misrepresent the nation and its potential on the world stage. “There are intelligent people in our country, we have good leaders and people with good ideology. But if Rahul Gandhi speaks like this, people would think that such people are higher in number in India. This is not right," he added.

Earlier on Friday, he urged the Congress leader to be “mindful" while speaking abroad.

“Within India it’s fine, but in a foreign country, one must be mindful as our nation’s image is at stake. Especially, when Indians have high reputation of being logical and intelligent," he had said in a post on X.

Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks Spark Row

A political slugfest broke out between the BJP and the Congress after Gandhi’s controversial remarks in Colombia, where the Congress leader insisted that democracy was at risk in India.

Speaking at an event at EIA University of Colombia, Gandhi took a swipe at the Narendra Modi government, asserting that the biggest challenge India is witnessing is the attack on its democracy.

“India has strong capabilities in areas like engineering and healthcare, so I am very optimistic about the country. But at the same time, there are also flaws in the structure that India has to correct. The biggest challenge is the attack on democracy taking place in India," Gandhi said.

The Congress leader argued that the democratic system remains crucial for diversity, allowing different traditions, customs, and ideas, including religious beliefs, to thrive. However, he added, the democratic system in India is under attack, which is a "major risk" or threat.

“The other risk is the rift between different parts of the country. Some 16-17 different languages and different religions. Allowing these different traditions to thrive, giving them space to express themselves, is very important for India. We cannot do what China does: suppress people and run an authoritarian system. Our design will not accept that," he said.

The BJP, however, strongly responded to the Congress MP’s comments and accused him of badmouthing India on foreign soil. Calling him a “Leader of Propaganda", the party said he “goes abroad and attacks Indian democracy".

(With input from ANI)

News politics ‘First LoP Who Speaks Against India’: Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Colombia Remarks

Read More