Is the Modi Government Waging a 5-Fold War on Democracy?

New Delhi, June 25 (NationPress) The Congress party has fiercely criticized the NDA administration, claiming that for the past eleven years, Indian democracy has been subjected to a systematic and perilous assault that can aptly be termed as “Undeclared Emergency@11”.

In response to the BJP-led NDA's 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' initiative, commemorating 50 years of the Emergency, the Congress party aims to highlight the ongoing threats to democratic values.

In a statement, Congress's general secretary for communications, Jairam Ramesh, identified a five-fold assault on Indian democracy.

“For the last eleven years and thirty days, the very fabric of Indian democracy has been consistently undermined, which can best be described as Undeclared Emergency@11,” Ramesh asserted.

He detailed these assaults, citing ongoing vilification and relentless attacks on the Constitution.

The first point he raised, titled “Attacks on the Constitution,” includes five examples that the party claims substantiate its position.

Ramesh noted that during the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Prime Minister sought a 'Char Sau Paar' mandate for a new Constitution, betraying Dr. Ambedkar's legacy, but the citizens of India rejected that request.

“The Modi administration has continuously dismantled parliamentary protocols. Members of Parliament have faced arbitrary suspensions simply for voicing public concerns. The government has avoided discussing crucial national matters, pushing important legislations through without proper deliberation, and circumventing parliamentary committees,” the statement elaborated.

The party contends that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has lost its relevance, and the integrity of the Election Commission has been significantly compromised. Serious allegations concerning the integrity of Assembly elections in certain states have gone unaddressed. The timing and phases of elections are allegedly tailored to advantage the ruling party, with the Commission remaining silent amidst divisive rhetoric from the Prime Minister and senior BJP officials.

Ramesh also accused the government of undermining Centre-state relations, asserting that the BJP has utilized financial power to orchestrate the downfall of opposition-led state governments by frequently luring legislators. “The Governor's office has been misused to obstruct bills in states governed by opposition and to meddle in university appointments. The Centre has neglected constitutional fiscal frameworks by excessively utilizing cesses, robbing states of their rightful revenue,” he stated.

The Congress party has claimed that there has been a clear policy of subtle threats towards the judiciary, primarily through delayed promotions, punitive transfers, post-retirement positions for compliant judges, and selective enforcement of collegium recommendations.

Ramesh’s statement indicated that tax terrorism and intimidation of businesses and organizations are rampant. He explained that the fear of regulatory backlash has created a chilling effect on previously outspoken business leaders.

To substantiate the undeclared emergency claim, the Congress party alleged that the media is under unprecedented pressure, with journalists and news outlets that criticize the government facing intimidation, arrests, and raids.

The party also asserted that institutions such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Income Tax Department have been weaponized to harass and defame leaders of various opposition parties.

Jairam Ramesh alleged that government critics have been routinely vilified, with hate and bigotry being deliberately propagated by the ruling establishment. Protesting farmers have been labeled “Khalistanis,” and advocates of a caste census have been dismissed as “urban Naxals.”

“The assassins of Mahatma Gandhi are glorified. Minorities live in fear for their safety and property. Dalits and other marginalized groups have been disproportionately targeted, while ministers making hate speeches have been rewarded with promotions,” the party claimed.