Tej Pratap Yadav, founder of Janashakti Janta Dal and former Bihar minister, took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following his remarks in Colombia, suggesting the Congress leader might be enjoying foreign trips more than India.

“It might be that Rahul Gandhi likes it abroad more. He might be fed up with India, the soil of Bihar. He might have gone abroad to freshen up. You will see the freshness on his face when he returns,” Tej Pratap said.

Gandhi, speaking at EIA University in Colombia on Friday, had highlighted what he sees as an assault on India’s democratic system, criticizing the Narendra Modi government.

“India has strong capabilities in areas like engineering and healthcare, so I am very optimistic about the country. But at the same time, there are also flaws in the structure that India has to correct. The biggest challenge is the attack on democracy taking place in India,” Gandhi said.

He emphasised the importance of India’s democratic system in maintaining diversity, allowing multiple traditions, customs, and religious beliefs to coexist.

“India has multiple religions, traditions, and languages — in fact, the country is essentially a conversation between all these people and cultures. Different traditions, religions, and ideas require space, and the best method for creating that space is the democratic system,” Gandhi explained.

He warned that the democratic system is under threat, calling it a “major risk” to the nation. “Currently, there is a wholesale attack on this democratic system, and that is a major risk. Another big risk is the tension between different conceptions in parts of the country. With 16-17 major languages and many religions, it is crucial to allow these diverse traditions to thrive and give them the space they need,” Gandhi added.