Sonia Gandhi says Modi government damaged democratic institutions

Sonia Gandhi said the Narendra Modi government had caused serious damage to India’s democracy, institutions and social fabric during its 12 years in power, and that restoring the country’s systems would take time and sustained effort. The Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson made the remarks in an interview ahead of the scheduled November 10 publication of her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love.

Gandhi also alleged that opposition parties had not had a level playing field since the government took office. She cited what she described as the government’s influence over institutions, including the Election Commission, mainstream media, money power and the use of religion. She further alleged that elections had been stolen, saying people had become more aware of the issue. These were her allegations in the interview; the reporting does not independently substantiate them.

Asked about Congress’s prospects, Gandhi said she was not pessimistic and that the party was fighting and making progress. She said Congress was working with like-minded parties and that its prospects were improving. She also said Congress workers and leaders continued to uphold values enshrined in the...