'Idea Of Free Thinking Under Attack In India': Rahul Gandhi Targets NDA Govt In Chile | Watch

Last Updated:October 12, 2025, 20:30 IST

Rahul Gandhi also talked about the education system in India in Chile, referring to it as the "foundation of freedom".

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (Credits: X/Congress)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, and has said that “the idea of free thinking is under attack in India".

The remark by the Congress leader came in Chile while responding to a question about what his party would like to change in India’s education system while interacting with students at the University of Chile.

“This is under attack in India—the idea of free thinking, the idea of being open, the idea of being scientific, of being logical, this is under tremendous attack in India currently. And that’s something that we want to defend," he was heard saying in a video also shared by the official X handle of Congress.

Rahul Gandhi Talks About India’s Education System

Rahul Gandhi also talked about the education system in India in Chile, referring to it as the “foundation of freedom".

“When it comes to education, it begins with curiosity and the freedom to think openly and ask questions without any fear or constraints—political or social. Education must not become a privilege for a few because it is the very foundation of freedom. India needs an education system that fosters a scientific temper, encourages critical thinking, and reflects the rich diversity of our nation," he said.

He said that India’s social structure is largely controlled by the upper castes, even though nearly 90 per cent of the population belongs to the middle and lower castes.

“Their history, traditions, and thinking have not been given a place in education. Our education system is for the upper castes. Therefore, I would like to include the history and traditions of tribal, middle, and lower castes in the education system," he said.

India’s education system has suffered greatly in the last ten years. Scientific consciousness has been destroyed because the current government does not believe in a scientific approach. This needs to be corrected. I would like to do this," he added.

Amit Malviya Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Chile Visit

The video came hours after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya questioned Gandhi’s South America.

“Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, left for South America on September 26. It’s been over 15 days now, and apart from a few staged videos meant to divert attention from the real purpose of his visit, there’s complete silence. Where exactly is Rahul Gandhi, and what is he doing in South America? Why all this secrecy?" Malviya posted on X.

BJP Attacks Congress

BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala also hit back at Gandhi, saying the latter is not a leader of the Opposition, but one of propaganda and hypocrisy.

“Rahul Gandhi is not the leader of the opposition. He is the leader of propaganda, of hypocrisy. He goes abroad and talks against India’s constitutional bodies, India’s democratic system, India’s judiciary, and India’s sovereignty — this has become his habit," said Poonawalla.

“Rahul Gandhi says he is fighting against the Indian state. From opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he is now into spreading lies against India. He says there is no space for free thinking. That happens in your party. If someone speaks against Rahul Gandhi, what happens? Look At Shashi Tharoor. He was made an example of because he championed the cause of the country and its armed forces," he added.

Rahul Gandhi’s South America Visit

Rahul Gandhi’s recent trip across South America saw him engaging deeply with students, political leaders, and cultural figures as he pressed for reforms in India’s educational and democratic landscape. His stops included Chile and Peru, where he delivered talks at universities and met with young people to discuss the state of free thought, access to education, and social justice.

Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her...Read More

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her...

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News politics 'Idea Of Free Thinking Under Attack In India': Rahul Gandhi Targets NDA Govt In Chile | Watch

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