{
  "id": 18670561,
  "title": "‘Great damage to India in 12 years’: Sonia Gandhi’s dig at govt ahead of book launch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/great-damage-to-india-in-12-years-sonia-gandhis-dig-at-govt-ahead-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T08:04:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/great-damage-to-india-in-12-years-sonia-gandhi-s-dig-at-govt-ahead-of-book-launch-101794037964783.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi has criticized the current government, saying that significant damage has been done to India's democratic institutions and fabric over the past twelve years. During an interview with The Hindu ahead of launching her memoir titled 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', Gandhi stated that even after the Modi government's term ends, it will take time to restore the country's systems to their former state. She added that people are now becoming more aware of the damage and are beginning to feel restless.\n\nGandhi expressed optimism that the people of India will welcome a return to proper governance. She acknowledged that the Congress party and other opposition parties have not been operating on a level playing field since the government came into power, pointing out the BJP's control over institutions like the Election Commission, mainstream media, their financial influence, and their exploitation of religion. Despite these challenges, Gandhi remained confident that her party is the only one resilient enough to withstand this onslaught.\n\nShe also alleged that Congress workers and leaders have faced persecution of various kinds. In recent months, Gandhi claimed, many elections have been allegedly rigged, and people are now more aware of this. The Congress party is working with other like-minded parties, and her predictions are that their prospects are improving day by day.\n\nTurning to politics, Gandhi discussed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rise and the lessons Congress should draw from it. She noted that Modi comes from a different ideological background but emphasized that many ways exist for people to succeed in politics within the Congress party. She did not see much value in learning from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the parent organization of the BJP.\n\nAs for her thoughts on what Congress policies and strategies might have been different if she had become Prime Minister in 2004, Gandhi affirmed that it's never crossed her mind. She believed that their experience working together as a team had been positive, with distinct roles assigned to her and then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.",
  "summary": "Sonia Gandhi alleged that Congress workers and leaders \"have faced persecution of all kinds\".",
  "key_points": [
    "Sonia Gandhi criticizes Modi government for damage to India's democratic institutions over 12 years.",
    "Congress party and opposition face challenges from BJP's control over institutions and media.",
    "Gandhi predicts increasing awareness among people, improving prospects for her party."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}