Is the BJP Undermining Democratic Institutions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Accusations of BJP control over judiciary
- Concerns raised about electoral process integrity
- Significant political protests organized
- Aarti Sathe's appointment sparks controversy
- Opposition critiques democracy's state in India
Rewa, Aug 12 (NationPress) In the midst of escalating concerns regarding alleged electoral process irregularities in India, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari has leveled serious accusations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On Tuesday, he claimed that the BJP has gained control over every fundamental aspect of the Indian Constitution, including the judiciary.
During a protest rally held in Rewa, which was organized to back Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in his allegations against the BJP-led Union government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding supposed "irregularities" in the voters list, Patwari asserted that the BJP has tightened its grip on crucial national institutions.
The rally, titled "Satyagraha for Justice," took place a day after over 300 Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs from the Opposition INDIA bloc, including LoP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, were detained by Delhi Police while attempting to march towards the ECI office.
In a pointed critique aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Patwari accused the BJP of trying to exert control over the country's judiciary.
Addressing veteran Congress leader Ajay Singh, who was also present at the protest, Patwari highlighted a recent controversial appointment: "A woman who was a BJP spokesperson has been named a High Court judge."
He questioned, "If a BJP spokesperson can become a judge, how can we expect fair justice?" Without naming her, he was alluding to the appointment of former BJP spokesperson Aarti Sathe as a judge of the Bombay High Court.
This appointment has ignited debate, with the Opposition Congress expressing doubts about her impartiality as a judge. Sathe had served as a spokesperson for the BJP in Maharashtra for over two years but reportedly cut ties with the party more than two years ago.
Recently, Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal also raised concerns about Sathe's nomination, asserting that "Democracy and the Constitution have been systematically undermined in the nation since 2014."