BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has called for the confiscation of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s diplomatic passport and urged legal action against him. This demand follows Gandhi’s recent speech in Colombia, where he alleged a “wholesale attack on Indian democracy” by the BJP-led central government during an event at EIA University.
Gandhi claimed that India’s rich diversity of religions, languages, and traditions necessitates an open dialogue, asserting that the current government’s actions jeopardize democratic principles in the country. In his criticism, Dubey accused Gandhi of making unfounded accusations against the Indian government while abroad. He compared Gandhi’s statements to those made by controversial figures like Zakir Naik, who resides in Malaysia, and the Khalistan separatist leader Pannu in Canada and the United States.
While speaking to reporters, Dubey stated, “Rahul Gandhi goes abroad and speaks at length about the Constitution and makes baseless statements against the Indian government. This is similar to what Zakir Naik is saying from Malaysia, and Khalistan terrorist Pannu from Canada and the US.” He suggested that it is time for Gandhi’s diplomatic passport to be revoked and for legal steps to be taken against him.
In addition, Dubey criticized the Congress party for opposing the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, whom authorities detained under the National Security Act following recent violence in Ladakh. He has alleged that there is foreign influence behind Wangchuk’s activism, while also pointing to the significant political changes made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, including granting Union Territory status to Ladakh.
Dubey further condemned the Congress party for its historical actions during the Emergency period, referencing the imprisonment of former BJP leader Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia and 82-year-old freedom fighter Bhim Sen Sachar. He claimed that the Congress now expresses false sympathy for those detained in Leh despite having previously persecuted political opponents.
Senior Congress leaders, including Gandhi, have called for the central government to engage in dialogue with the Ladakhi people and to conduct a thorough judicial inquiry into the violence, which resulted in four fatalities. Gandhi emphasized the need for justice, citing the case of a soldier’s son among the victims and condemning the government’s actions.
Wangchuk is currently incarcerated at Jodhpur Central Jail related to the charges against him under the National Security Act.