INDIA Bloc Marches to EC: Kharge Accuses Modi Govt of Snatching Rights
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge leads an INDIA bloc march to the Election Commission, accusing the Modi government of undermining democratic rights.
In a massive show of strength, the INDIA bloc launched a protest march toward the Election Commission on Tuesday, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge leading the charge. Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Modi administration, alleging that the government is actively attempting to "snatch away" the fundamental rights and democratic freedoms secured by citizens after India's independence.
A Warning to the Government
Addressing the protesters during the march, Kharge emphasized that the rights granted to young voters, women, farmers, and the poor are under direct threat. He argued that the struggle for freedom, which built the nation, is being undermined by those currently in power to maintain their grip on the country.
"If we have a vote, democracy will be saved. If our democracy is saved, then everyone's rights will be protected. The Constitution will also be protected," Kharge stated, framing the protection of voting rights as the ultimate shield for the nation's constitutional integrity.
Allegations Against the Election Commission
The protest specifically targeted the Election Commission, with Kharge making serious allegations regarding its impartiality. He claimed that the poll panel is functioning under the direct influence of the central government, describing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) as a "puppet."
- Puppet Allegations: Kharge alleged that the CEC acts solely according to the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
- Institutional Decay: He warned that such institutional behavior would lead to "Hitler-like rule" and the eventual destruction of the Constitution.
- Electoral Misconduct: The Congress leader accused the commission of ignoring its own members' objections and conducting electoral processes incorrectly.
Demands for Resignation and Inquiry
The atmosphere of the march was charged with calls for immediate accountability. Congress MP Rajeev Shukla joined the fray, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Shukla asserted that the public has completely lost faith in the Election Commission's ability to conduct fair polls.
Similarly, Congress MP Syed Nasir Hussain called for a complete overhaul of the current system. He demanded that:
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar must resign immediately.
- The current system be scrapped to ensure fairness.
- All votes that were previously deleted from voter lists be restored.
- A high-level inquiry be launched to expose the "forces" behind what he termed a conspiracy against voters.
"People Will Not Remain Silent"
Kharge concluded his address with a stern warning to the ruling dispensation, stating that the citizens of India will not tolerate the erosion of their universal adult franchise. He suggested that if the government does not vacate its position, it could lead to significant unrest across the country.
"The people of the country will not sit quietly. This is my warning to them," Kharge said, adding that the INDIA alliance would continue its campaign to fight against what he described as the "subjugation" of the entire citizenry.