“This is Gandhi’s country”: RJD MP Manoj Jha joins Jantar Mantar protest
RJD MP Manoj Jha slams government and Election Commission at Jantar Mantar protest, alleging systematic irregularities on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary.
In a stinging critique of the current administration, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha joined opposition parties at Jantar Mantar on Friday to protest against the Election Commission's role in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Speaking on the significance of the day, Jha noted the irony of such intense democratic demonstrations occurring on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
A Protest for Citizens, Not Just Parties
Manoj Jha emphasized that the gathering was not merely a political assembly of opposition groups but a movement representing the concerns of the common citizen. He expressed a deep-seated belief that the republic's stakeholders are witnessing a shift in how democratic institutions function.
"Every citizen who is a stakeholder in this republic feels that a single person, a puppet whose strings are pulled elsewhere, is making the decisions," Jha remarked, suggesting that decision-making power has become centralized and detached from independent oversight.
Criticism of Restrictions and Metro Closures
The RJD leader also took aim at the heavy security restrictions imposed across Delhi during the protest. He specifically pointed to the disruption of public services, such as the closure of metro services, as an attempt to stifle dissent.
"The impact is such that you can see the metro has been shut down and all this is happening on what day? Today is Gandhi Jayanti," Jha said, highlighting the contradiction between the spirit of non-violent protest and the state's restrictive response.
Direct Challenge to PM Modi and Amit Shah
Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah directly, Jha claimed that the current government has drifted significantly from the foundational ideals left behind by Mahatma Gandhi. He warned that the nation would eventually be forced to find its way back to those values.
"On Gandhi’s day, Honourable PM, Honourable HM, thank you very much. You have taken this country very far away from Gandhi, and this country will have to go back there. That is why this kind of democratic protest is a message for you," he stated.
Allegations of Systematic Irregularities
A central theme of the protest was the alleged misconduct regarding Form 8 and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) processes. Jha accused the Election Commission of committing systematic irregularities and failing to provide adequate explanations for recent developments.
He pointed to recent media reports regarding "course correction" as an implicit admission of past errors. According to Jha, the fact that people are still filing documents after the SIR has officially ended is a clear indicator of procedural flaws.
- Alleged Illegality: Jha described the actions taken as a "systematic crime" and an illegality that has gone unpunished.
- Admission of Guilt: He argued that the Election Commission's decision to conduct special drives in 20 states proves that the concerns previously raised were valid, despite being denied by the institution earlier.
- Lack of Scrutiny: He claimed the institution has failed to withstand necessary scrutiny due to ego or external pressure.
"The Thread Goes Right to the Top"
Echoing concerns previously raised by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, Jha suggested that the damage being done to democracy is not accidental. He referenced past issues regarding postal ballots in 2020 to question why certain officials appear to have immunity from accountability.
"No one in a high position has immunity, but you gave it to them. Because you wanted to cover up the illegality, and that is why I am saying this thread goes right to the top," Jha alleged, implying that the irregularities reach the highest levels of governance.