Sonia Gandhi tears into Modi govt, says 'country's soul being crushed through well-planned conspiracy'

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi Saturday launched an offensive on the Modi government, saying people are being taught a new definition of patriotism while those not accepting diversity are being called patriots.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi (R) with Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L). Photo: PTI (File)

NEW DELHI: UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday mounted a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led NDA government accusing it of coining a new definition of patriotism in which those who do not accept diversity are being called patriots. Addressing a rally here, the former Congress president said: "The way the soul of our nation is being crushed through a well-planned conspiracy is a matter of great concern." She hit out at the BJP alleging that the party does not respect diversity of India. "Today we are being taught a new definition of patriotism. Those who do not accept diversity are being called patriots," the Congress leader said. Gandhi also alleged that the BJP-led government was not ready to fulfil its duty of enforcing rule of law in the country. "When there are attacks on people who stick to their faith, the government turns blind eye to them. It refuses to implement the rule of law," Gandhi said. She claimed the NDA dispensation has "systematically" destroyed country's institution in the last five years. "Regressive forces have systematically dismantled our institutions. The current government has undermined the welfare architecture that was laid down over last 65 years." During the NDA rule, it is being expected of us that in the matters of food, dress and freedom of speech, we should toe the line of a few people, she said. "We need to reclaim our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and rights and secure the life of dignity and security for our people." The 72-year-old leader said when the UPA was in power under the leadership Manmohan Singh, the government and civil society worked together. "It wasn't an easy task, but with the support of civil society, our government spearheaded policies that gave shape to the dreams and aspirations of crores of fellow Indians," she said. On the Congress's poll promises, Gandhi said if the party comes to power, a system will be developed to monitor their implementations. "I have no doubts about the promises we have made. After our government is formed, a system will be in place to monitor their implementation," she said.