NEW DELHI: The Congress launched a pointy political assault in opposition to PM Narendra Modi-led authorities on Wednesday, accusing it of working an “undeclared emergency” over the previous 11 years. The grand previous social gathering alleged that “Indian democracy is going through a scientific and harmful five-fold assault” below the present regime.The social gathering’s sharp criticism got here as Prime Minister Modi and the BJP marked the day as a reminder of the “darkest chapter” in India’s democratic historical past, referring to 1975 Emergency that was declared below former PM Indira Gandhi‘s authorities. Congress, nevertheless, turned the highlight on the current, itemizing what it says are 5 areas the place democracy is below risk.
‘Assaults on the Structure’
Ramesh alleged that throughout the 2024 normal elections, “the Prime Minister sought a Char Sau Paar mandate for a brand new Structure and to betray Dr. Ambedkar‘s legacy.” He claimed that voters rejected this and selected to “protect, defend, and additional promote financial, social, and political justice enshrined within the current Structure.”He additionally mentioned Parliament had been weakened, with MPs suspended “merely for elevating problems with public concern,” and that key laws was “bulldozed by way of” with out correct debate. He added that the federal government had “eroded the autonomy of Constitutional our bodies” and “destroyed Centre-state relations.”
‘Tax terrorism and intimidation of companies and establishments
Congress accused the Modi authorities of making a local weather of worry, the place “regulatory retaliation has had a chilling impact on beforehand outspoken enterprise leaders.” The publish additional claimed that “main property, together with airports, ports, cement vegetation, and even media homes, have been handed over to this group,” referring to a favoured enterprise conglomerate.
‘Management over media’
In line with Congress, “journalists and information shops essential of the federal government have confronted intimidation, arrests, and raids.” It alleged that authorities promoting is used to manage media content material, whereas taxpayer-funded broadcasters have was “instruments to troll the Opposition and push divisive narratives.” The RTI Act, as soon as a instrument for accountability, has been “neutered,” the social gathering mentioned.
‘Rampant misuse of investigative companies’
The publish claimed that “the ED, CBI, and Revenue Tax Division have been deployed to harass and defame leaders of assorted opposition events,” and accused the BJP of elevating Rs 8,000 crore by way of “unlawful assortment of Electoral Bonds.” It additional added, “those that swap events and be part of the BJP robotically turn out to be ED-mukt and CBI-mukt.”
‘Unbridled hate speech and crackdown on civil liberties’
Congress accused the ruling institution of vilifying authorities critics, saying “protesting farmers had been labelled ‘Khalistanis’, and advocates of caste census had been dismissed as ‘city Naxals’.” It additionally alleged that “the killers of Mahatma Gandhi are glorified,” whereas “minorities dwell in worry,” and “ministers making hate speeches have been rewarded with promotions.”As Congress levelled these allegations, BJP leaders responded by recalling the mass arrests, censorship, and suspension of civil liberties throughout the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975. Prime Minister Modi posted on X, calling it “one of many darkest chapters in India’s historical past.”