Rahul Gandhi must first publicly demonstrate his apology: BJP
New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Thursday insisted on an apology from Rahul Gandhi and asked him to "first demonstrate" his regret as the Congress leader met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking permission to speak in the House amid an impasse in Parliament over his comments in Britain on the state of democracy in India.
Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Pralhad Joshi told reporters after another day of washout during the ongoing budget session that not only MPs but the entire country is angry over his comments which gravely insulted not just Parliament but the entire nation.
He has levelled "absolutely baseless and false allegations without any iota of truth," Goyal said even as the Congress rejected the BJP's charge and ruled out any apology from its former president.
Gandhi himself appeared unfazed by the political storm raging over his comments made in Britain at different events.
Taking a swipe at the Congress leader, who was also in Lok Sabha before it was adjourned for the day, Goyal said he is behaving as if he has come after performing some "great act of patriotism" without showing any sign of remorse.
The BJP has accused him of seeking intervention of foreign powers in India by portraying the state of democracy in the country in a poor light. With the ruling party seizing on his remarks and seeking his apology and the Congress remaining unfazed, the second leg of the session which began on Monday has been a washout so far.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Joshi said, "India's prestige has not been attacked in such a manner before. Political differences may be there but there cannot be a graver crime than to seek interference from foreign powers. Anger prevails across the country for the grave insult Rahul Gandhi has inflicted upon what even the world acknowledges as the mother of democracy."
He should seek an apology as this is what MPs and the country are demanding, he said.
Joshi insisted that parties other than the BJP are also demanding Gandhi's apology.
Goyal said Gandhi has demonstrated his and the Congress' small-mindedness by not apologising so far.
To a question if the session is headed for a washout if the Congress sticks to its guns on the issue, Joshi said, "I don't think so." He, however, insisted that other parties are also of the view that he should apologise.
The minister said many precedents exist of senior most leaders apologising in the House and accused Gandhi of belittling the image of Parliament and the Speaker.
During an event in the UK, Gandhi had alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under attack and there is a "full-scale assault" on the country's institutions.
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India edges past Japan, ranks third on Asia Power Index of Australian think tank
New Delhi, Sep 25: India ranks third in the annual Asia Power Index, released by an Australian think-tank, surpassing Japan on the back of strong post-COVID 19 economic growth, while China's power appeared to plateau just below the United States.
The Sydney-based Lowy Institute has put the US at the top of its Asia Power Index with a score of 81.7, followed by China with a score of 72.7, India (39.1), Japan (38.9), Australia (31.9) and Russia (31.1).
The Index ranks 27 countries and territories in terms of their capacity to shape their external environment -- its scope reaching as far west as Pakistan, as far north as Russia and as far into the Pacific as Australia, New Zealand and the US.
The index has cited economic growth, future potential and diplomatic influence as key factors for India's rise. However, it has pointed out that New Delhi's clout remains below the potential promised by its resources.
"India has shown remarkable post-pandemic economic recovery, contributing to a 4.2-point rise in its economic capability. India's massive population and strong GDP growth reinforce its standing as the world's third-largest economy in PPP terms," the think tank has said.
It has noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership has garnered greater international recognition.
The think tank has said India's non-aligned strategic posture has allowed it to navigate complex international waters effectively.
It has said India's participation in dialogues as well as its leadership in the Quad has allowed New Delhi to play a significant role in regional security dynamics, albeit outside of formal military alliances.
