Gandhi Family Responsible for India’s Problems? Rahul Responds

Addressing an interactive session at the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore on Thursday, 8 March, Congress President Rahul Gandhi was questioned by one of the attendees about his family's (lack of) contribution to the India's development.

PK Basu, the author of a book called ‘Asia Reborn’ asked why was it that India's per capita income was growing less than the world average, during the years that Gandhi's family ruled India. He went on to claim that the per capita income of the country had grown "substantially faster" than the world average ever since the Congress scion's family "relinquished" the prime ministership.

To this, Gandhi counter-questioned Basu, asking him if he agreed that India was a success today. He added:

Are you saying that I had absolutely no role to play in Indian politics from 2004 to today?

Rahul Gandhi

This exchange was followed by another man, identifying himself as Anish Mishra, praising the Congress and calling himself a great admirer of Nehru. Mishra asked Gandhi how would he undo the damage done to India if he was to become the Prime Minister.

Referring to both the attendees, Gandhi responded by saying:

You’re both going (in) two extremes... This conversation shows you the polarisation. One gentleman thinks that nothing has ever been done by the Congress party. The other thinks that everything has been done by the Congress. The truth is India’s success is hugely because of India’s people. However, anybody in this room who thinks that the Congress party is not part of that success, anybody who thinks that gaining Independence was not part of that success... needs to write a new book.

Rahul Gandhi

Directing his response to Basu, Gandhi went on to assert how he's a person who's been taught to love his opponents and those who dislike him.

I have no animosity towards someone who says I have achieved nothing. I even respect your opinion. However, I differ with it and I will contest it. I might even be able to convince you or not (to confer with my point of view). But PM Modi would never do that. You would never have the ability to say what you said to me in front of Modi. And I am proud of that. 

Rahul Gandhi