While visiting the United States, Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi voiced some disparaging remarks about India, the Indian government, and made questionable assertions about the country's history, democracy, and leaders.

In what might be a new low for international diplomacy, Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi apparently thought it apt to use his visit to the United States as a platform to lob a few insults at his own homeland. That's right, during this sojourn, Gandhi thought it wise to make some rather sweeping, and arguably questionable, statements about India, its government, and even ventured into the delicate territory of the nation's history and democracy. Quite the trip indeed!

This bizarre parade of self-flagellation did not escape the attention of Mary Millben, a singer who has serenaded not just American audiences, but also global leaders at the White House. During an interview with The New Indian's Rohan Dua, conducted on June 30, Millben found herself reflecting on Gandhi's gaffe-ridden tour.

She responded to questions about the Indian leader's recent US adventure with admirable tact, stating, "Well, I caught glimpses of his speeches and thoughts, and honestly, I don’t personally know Mr. Rahul, so I don’t want to make unkind comments." Though it’s hard not to wonder what 'unkind comments' she might have had in mind.

But Millben did not hold back on offering a more generalized critique, noting, "However, it’s difficult for any country to support a leader who constantly speaks negatively about their own nation. A true leader appreciates their heritage and values their country." Yes, it seems Mr. Gandhi might learn a thing or two from India's beloved Prime Minister Modi, who, according to Millben, is "adored in India and respected worldwide."

And let's not forget that Gandhi's busy itinerary included not only delivering speeches at prestigious venues like the National Press Club and Stanford University but also meeting with a variety of 'think tanks' to discuss the ever-so-fun topic of Indo-US relations. The icing on the cake? He had a tête-à-tête with activist Sunita Vishwanath, renowned for her links with George Soros’ Open Society Foundations (OSF) and the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC).

Mary Millben on Barack Obama’s anti-India remarks

As if all of that wasn't enough to digest, Millben also had a few words to share about the "audacious" remarks made by none other than former US President Barack Obama about India. With an almost palatable sarcasm, she observed, “I felt that it was quite arrogant of the former president to upstage the current President of the United States, who happened to be his vice president in his own party, during such an important week for both the President and the Prime Minister.”

Oh, but there's more! On June 22, it seems Obama fancied himself an authority on India's 'human rights' record. Despite his own chequered past, he saw fit to preach to the Indian Prime Minister about the protection of 'Muslim minority in a majority Hindu India.' Quite rich, coming from someone who's managed to maintain an air of sanctity whilst navigating murky international politics.

All this unfolded mere hours before PM Modi's historic address at the joint session of the US Congress. Perfect timing, don't you think? Well, one thing's for sure - international politics is never short on entertainment!

Rahul Gandhi criticizing India and its Prime Minister

Here are some instances where Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Indian politician, has criticized India and its Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on a global platform:

1. Event in the U.S. In an event at the University of California in Santa Cruz, Rahul Gandhi criticized the ruling BJP government, stating that it was "threatening" the people and "misusing" the country's agencies. He also claimed that India was not a fair place for Dalits, tribals, minorities, and the poor, and that's something that the Congress was trying to change. He further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "specimen" of a group of people who think they know more than God. Source

   It's indeed interesting to see Mr. Gandhi, comfortably perched on a stage in Santa Cruz, airing his grievances against the BJP government. With claims about threats, misuse of agencies, and a grim portrayal of India, one might wonder if he's discussing the same nation that's steadily rising as a global economic power. As for PM Modi being a "specimen" of people who think they know more than God, it's fascinating to see how quickly Gandhi has developed an ability to discern divine knowledge!

2. Global Public Good Statement Rahul Gandhi criticized India's democracy on a global platform, stating it is a global public good that must be defended. His comments were condemned by BJP leaders, who said it was ironic that Gandhi had criticized India's democracy while the White House praised it. Source

   Mr. Gandhi's sudden revelation of India's democracy as a "global public good" to be defended could have been more convincing had it not been shared on a global platform where he has routinely criticized it. It's amusing how his calls for defending democracy starkly contrast with his narrative back home.

3. Bahrain Speech During his first outing abroad to Bahrain as Congress President, Rahul Gandhi criticized the Narendra Modi government, claiming that it was not creating as many jobs as China and was fueling hatred between communities when people looked for jobs. Source

   During his maiden voyage as Congress President to Bahrain, Gandhi seems to have confused his facts. Perhaps he overlooked the numerous initiatives launched by the Modi government to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. And while accusing the government of fanning communal flames, he seems to forget that it's always easier to point fingers than to take constructive action.

4. Cambridge University, 2023 Rahul Gandhi delivered a lecture to students at Cambridge University on the subject of ‘Learning to Listen in the 21st Century’. During his lecture, he stated that the institutional framework required for democracy is becoming constrained and the basic structure of Indian democracy is under attack. He also claimed that the government is using Pegasus to spy on him and other politicians. Source
   
   It's ironic that a lecture titled 'Learning to Listen in the 21st Century' involved the speaker repeating his oft-heard grievances about Indian democracy. Perhaps the real lesson here is the importance of having a varied repertoire when addressing an intellectual audience.

5. Cambridge University, 2022 Rahul Gandhi spoke about the alleged threat to Indian democracy at Cambridge University. He claimed that the institutional framework required for democracy is becoming constrained and the basic structure of Indian democracy is under attack. He also alleged that the government is using Pegasus to spy on him and other politicians. Source

   The Cambridge University stage seems to be a favored platform for Mr. Gandhi to sing the same tune year after year. Perhaps next time, he could try a fresher angle, given that these allegations about Indian democracy being under attack are starting to sound like a broken record.

6. London, 2018 Speaking at the International Institute of Strategic Studies in London, Rahul Gandhi compared the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the Muslim Brotherhood, a radical Islamist outfit. He claimed that the RSS is trying to change the nature of India and that one ideology should run through every institution and one idea should crush all other ideas. Source

   This comparison between the RSS and the Muslim Brotherhood might have been dramatic, but it seems Mr. Gandhi may have skipped a few history lessons. A quick look at the facts would reveal the stark differences between the two organizations. A crash course in comparative politics might be helpful before making such controversial comparisons on a global platform.