If Indian democracy is functioning, I will be able to speak in Parliament, says Rahul Gandhi; BJP accuses him of habitually demeaning democracy

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that if Indian democracy is indeed functioning then he will be allowed to speak in Parliament and defend himself against allegations made by BJP ministers in the House regarding his "democracy under attack" remarks, which he made in London.
'A test of Indian democracy'
"I am a Member of Parliament and allegations have been made against me in Parliament by four ministers. It is my right to have the opportunity to speak in the House. It is my democratic right. So if Indian democracy is functioning, I will be able to say my piece in Parliament. So, actually what you are seeing is a test of Indian democracy. After four leaders of the BJP have made an allegation about an MP, is that MP going to be given the same space that those four ministers have been given or is he going to be told to shut up? That's what the real question in front of this country is right now," Rahul Gandhi said at a press conference.

Rahul has a habit of demeaning Indian democracy: BJP
Just moments after Rahul's press conference ended, the BJP slammed the Congress MP and stated that his comments "cannot become the barometer for success or failure of a democracy" and that the former Congress president has made it a habit to "demean Indian democracy".

"How long will Rahul Gandhi mislead the country? The BJP again reiterates that he said that 'America and Europe should take note of India's democratic backsliding'. It's his habit to insult the feelings of Indians by criticising Indian democracy abroad," said BJP MP RS Prasad during a press conference.
The BJP leader added that the party would campaign across the country for an apology from Rahul Gandhi. "It's his habit to speak baseless things, derail Indian democracy, criticise it and demean it. Not once did he say today that he is denying his remarks made in UK," said Prasad.
Prasad also asked Rahul Gandhi to "brush up on information about India's foreign policy and India's strategic security" as he is a "novice in the field".
'BJP government, PM Modi afraid of Adani issue'
Shortly after Parliament proceedings had to be adjourned on Thursday amid slogan shouting by opposition (for a probe into the Adani crisis) and treasury benches (demanding apology from Rahul over his remarks made in London), the Congress MP held a press conference wherein he said that he has requested Speaker Om Birla to allow him to speak in the House. "I am hopeful that I will be allowed to do so tomorrow".

Rahul also accused the Centre and the BJP of raising the issue of his remarks made in London in order to divert attention from the Gautam Adani matter, which he had raised in Parliament.
"This whole London issue is a matter of distraction. The government and the PM are afraid of the Adani issue and that is why they have prepared this whole spectacle."
The MP said the entire saga started the day he gave a speech in Parliament about Adani and his relationship with PM Modi.

"I asked some fundamental questions to the PM about his relationship with the businessman. About how Adani has been given pretty much the entire India-Israel defence relationship. How he has been given the Bombay airport, and other airports ... What happened in Australia between the PM, Adani, and the chairman of the State Bank? ... What were they discussing? And why, after that discussion, is almost a billion dollars pledged by the State Bank to Adani?" he asked.
"What was said in Sri Lanka? A person has made a statement saying Rajapaksa told him that Adani was given the contract and it was basically PM Modi who told him to do so. The same in Bangladesh," the MP said.
Rahul added that to avoid answering such questions or having a debate on the issue in Parliament, the government has been creating ruckus in the House and raising the issue of his speech in London.
Parliament proceedings disrupted for 4th day in a row
Parliament proceedings had to be adjourned early for the day on Thursday amid slogan shouting by opposition and treasury benches over Rahul's "democracy under attack" remark made in London.

As soon as the house assembled, opposition members stormed into the well holding placards and shouting slogans. They demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the alleged stock manipulation by the Adani Group.
Members of the treasury benches also raised counter slogans, demanding an apology from Gandhi for his remarks made during an event in the UK. Gandhi had alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under attack and there is a "full-scale assault" on the country's institutions.

The remarks have triggered a political slugfest. The BJP has accused Gandhi of maligning India on foreign soil and seeking foreign interventions, while the Congress has hit back at the ruling party by citing instances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising internal politics abroad.
House proceedings have remained disrupted since resuming for the second leg of the budget session on Monday.
(With inputs from agencies)