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India’s battle is “deeply philosophical” says Rahul Gandhi at Georgetown University
The interaction addressed the need for inclusive and forward-thinking policies, and addressing economic and social challenges in India.
Rahul Gandhi stressed that the political battle is far from over. / Youtube/Rahul Gandhi, Screengrab
Indian leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi interacted with students at Georgetown University, Washington D.C., where he reflected on India’s political trajectory, underscoring that India’s ongoing battle is deeply philosophical and has been part of the country's history for centuries.
"It’s a fight for and against the Constitution," Gandhi said, elaborating on the tension between the idea of equality and a caste hierarchy that has long been entrenched in Indian society.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Congress Party
"Politics ebbs and flows," Gandhi said, suggesting that his party has periodically reinvented itself during past transformations, such as the nationalization of banks in the 1970s and economic liberalization in the 1990s.
"The Congress Party has this ability to reinvent itself, and I believe that’s what we’re doing now."
On the subject of the 2024 general elections, Gandhi spoke candidly about the challenges Congress faced, including frozen bank accounts and media restrictions. He described the election as “not a fair playing field,” alleging that key institutions in India had been "captured" by Prime Minister Modi’s government.
Yet, despite these challenges, Gandhi expressed optimism about the opposition’s future, remarking, "The INDIA Alliance now has a lot of space to think about how we go forward."
Vision for Social Justice and Inclusivity in India
Central to Gandhi’s vision is the idea of a caste census and greater inclusivity in Indian institutions. He noted that 90 percent of the Indian population—comprising lower castes, Dalits, Adivasis, and other marginalized communities—are underrepresented in business, media, and the judiciary.
"The caste census is a simple exercise to see how these groups have integrated into the system," he said, while also advocating for socioeconomic and institutional surveys to assess their participation across sectors.
Despite these insights, Gandhi stressed that the political battle is far from over. He pointed out the growing public awareness of social and economic disparities in India, particularly among lower castes and minorities, and affirmed that this awakening could not be reversed. "This is now an unstoppable idea," Gandhi stated, adding that the pressure for change is "way too powerful."
Gandhi expressed his vision for a fairer and more inclusive India. "I don’t want to live in a country where 90 percent of the people do not have access to opportunity," he said, framing the Congress Party’s future as one committed to addressing the country’s deep-rooted inequalities.
Role of love in politics
Sharing his observations during "Bharat Jodo Yatra," a nationwide walk across India, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the transformative power of love in politics. "Love and affection are values that everyone accepts," he asserted, stressing that these emotions resonate universally.
"India’s strength lies in its integration, not in separating its diverse elements," he added.
Economic reforms and the push for domestic production
Addressing questions about his party's strategies and future goals, Gandhi emphasized the need for a vision that offers hope and opportunities to India’s youth. "India is struggling to imagine the future," he noted. "When we fail to envision the future, we dwell on the past, which is not productive."
Responding to concerns about India's coalition politics and the challenges of leading a diverse alliance, Gandhi expressed confidence in their shared goals. "We agree on fundamental issues like defending the Constitution and addressing economic inequalities," he said, dismissing concerns about internal disagreements within the coalition.
On the topic of gender and sexual minorities, Gandhi reaffirmed his commitment to individual rights. "How people choose to live their lives is their business, and we stand for defending everyone’s right to express themselves," he stated, addressing questions about the Indian Supreme Court's stance on same-sex marriage.
Lastly, Gandhi also discussed the broader economic landscape, highlighting the need for increased domestic production to address unemployment and economic disparity. "India must focus on production rather than just consumption," he argued, criticizing the current economic structure for its lack of support for local industries.
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