The recently concluded G20 summit held in Delhi brought together leaders from around the world to discuss critical global issues. However, amidst the international diplomacy and discussions, it also became a flashpoint for political tensions within India. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who was not in Delhi but on a week-long tour of Europe during the summit, made some noteworthy statements that sparked debates and controversies.
Rahul Gandhi took to social media, expressing his concern that the Indian government was concealing the harsh realities of poverty in the country from the visiting dignitaries. In a tweet, he stated, "GOI is hiding our poor people and animals." His remarks drew attention to the issue of poverty in India and the stark disparities that persist despite the country's economic growth.
One of the key points of contention raised by the Congress party was the alleged effort to hide the slums of Delhi, such as the Coolie Camp in Vasant Vihar, from the public view ahead of the G20 summit. This brought the issue of socio-economic inequality to the forefront of discussions surrounding the summit.
Another disturbing claim made by Congress was related to the treatment of street dogs in Delhi as the city prepared to host international leaders. They alleged that these animals were being mistreated, denied food and water, and subjected to extreme stress and fear. This issue highlights concerns not only about animal welfare but also about the overall preparations for the event.
Furthermore, Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh, raised questions about the transparency and accessibility of the summit. They alleged that India did not allow the media to ask questions to US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Modi after their bilateral meeting. This raised concerns about the freedom of the press and the transparency of diplomatic interactions during the G20 summit.
In an unusual twist, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate questioned the choice of music played at the summit. She shared a video that featured a classical rendition of Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" when the G20 leaders arrived in India. While seemingly trivial, this raised questions about the cultural sensitivity of the event's organizers.
The controversy extended to the guest list for the G20 dinner, where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was not invited. Kharge and other Congress leaders expressed their discontent, with Rahul Gandhi stating that this decision showed a lack of respect for the leader of a significant portion of India's population.
In summary, the G20 summit in Delhi became a battleground for political tensions between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress party. While the summit aimed to address pressing global issues, it also shed light on domestic concerns such as poverty, transparency, and cultural sensitivity. The controversies surrounding the event remind us that even on the world stage, local politics and social issues can take center stage.
