‘Undeclared emergency’: Congress slams Modi govt; alleges 5-fold attack on democracy | India News

Jairam Ramesh and PM Modi (R)

NEW DELHI: The Congress launched a pointy political attack in opposition to PM Narendra Modi-led authorities on Wednesday, accusing it of operating an “undeclared emergency” over the previous 11 years. The grand outdated occasion alleged that “Indian democracy is facing a systematic and dangerous five-fold assault” below the present regime.The occasion’s sharp criticism got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 menace.

‘Attacks on the Constitution’

Ramesh alleged that through the 2024 normal elections, “the Prime Minister sought a Char Sau Paar mandate for a brand new Constitution and to betray Dr. Ambedkar‘s legacy.” He claimed that voters rejected this and selected to “preserve, protect, and further promote economic, social, and political justice enshrined in the existing Constitution.”He additionally mentioned Parliament had been weakened, with MPs suspended “merely for raising issues of public concern,” and that key laws was “bulldozed through” with out correct debate. He added that the federal government had “eroded the autonomy of Constitutional 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 concern, the place “regulatory retaliation has had a chilling effect on previously outspoken business leaders.” The submit additional claimed that “major assets, including airports, ports, cement plants, and even media houses, have been handed over to this group,” referring to a favoured enterprise conglomerate.

‘Control over media’

According to Congress, “journalists and news outlets critical of the government have faced intimidation, arrests, and raids.” It alleged that authorities promoting is used to regulate media content material, whereas taxpayer-funded broadcasters have become “tools to troll the Opposition and push divisive narratives.” The RTI Act, as soon as a instrument for accountability, has been “neutered,” the occasion mentioned.

‘Rampant misuse of investigative companies’

The submit claimed that “the ED, CBI, and Income Tax Department have been deployed to harass and defame leaders of various opposition parties,” and accused the BJP of elevating Rs 8,000 crore by “illegal collection of Electoral Bonds.” It additional added, “those who switch parties and join the BJP automatically become 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 were labelled ‘Khalistanis’, and advocates of caste census were dismissed as ‘urban Naxals’.” It additionally alleged that “the killers of Mahatma Gandhi are glorified,” whereas “minorities live in fear,” 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 through the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975. Prime Minister Modi posted on X, calling it “one of the darkest chapters in India’s history.”