“The true test of a democracy is not how it treats those in power, but how it treats those who question power. When the Leader of the Opposition and elected representatives are met with force instead of dialogue, every citizen’s constitutional freedom is diminished” said George Abraham, Vice-Chair of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA. “We condemn the detention and reported mistreatment of Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, along with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Congress leaders during a peaceful protest in New Delhi” Mr. Abraham added.
Videos from the incident raise serious concerns about the use of excessive force against elected representatives exercising their constitutional rights. The IOC states that such actions undermine freedoms of expression, assembly, and dissent, which are fundamental to democracy.
We are all warned that suppressing opposition voices weakens democratic institutions and damages India’s global reputation as a constitutional democracy. It emphasizes that peaceful protest is a vital democratic right and that political differences must be addressed through dialogue, not force.
The IOC calls on the Government of India to uphold constitutional rights, conduct an impartial inquiry into the incident, and reaffirm its commitment to democratic values.
Expressing solidarity with Rahul Gandhi and others, the IOC urges citizens, institutions, and civil society to defend democratic principles and speak out against any erosion of fundamental freedoms.
