The G20 summit in Delhi has become a contentious issue between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress. On the inaugural day of the summit, Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress Member of Parliament, expressed concerns over the government’s treatment of the impoverished population.
Rahul Gandhi, who is currently in Brussels, took to social media on the first day of the G20 event to assert that there is no need to conceal India’s true situation from international guests. In a tweet, he remarked, “GOI is hiding our poor people and animals.” Rahul Gandhi’s specific point of contention during the G20 summit was the alleged concealment of Delhi’s impoverished communities. The Congress party had previously shared a video showcasing the living conditions in a slum called “coolie camp” located in Vasant Vihar, Delhi, which had been kept out of public view in preparation for the G20 summit.
It’s worth noting that Rahul Gandhi is not present in Delhi during the G20 summit; instead, he is on a week-long tour of Europe.
Furthermore, the Congress party released a video alleging mistreatment of street dogs in Delhi, asserting that these animals were forcibly caged and deprived of food and water in the lead-up to the G20 event. The video called for raising awareness and demanding justice for these animals.
In addition to these concerns, Congress leaders pointed out several perceived shortcomings in the G20 arrangements. Jairam Ramesh claimed that India had not allowed the media to ask questions to both US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their bilateral meeting. Ramesh stated that President Biden would respond to media inquiries in Vietnam on September 11th. This prompted him to comment, “Not surprising at all. This is how democracy is done Modi-style!”
Another matter raised by Congress leader Supriya Shrinate was the choice of music during the reception of G20 leaders in India. She questioned whether the popular song “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, presented in a classical rendition, was suitable for the occasion. Shrinate also noted an incident where the head of state from Oman appeared uncomfortable and left abruptly during a cultural function, suggesting a lack of cultural sensitivity awareness among Indian diplomats.
Lastly, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed disappointment at not being invited to the G20 dinner, characterizing it as “low-level politics” that the central government should have avoided. Several Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, criticized this exclusion, with Rahul Gandhi highlighting that it indicated a lack of respect for a leader representing a significant portion of India’s population.