US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismisses protests in India as internal matter

NEW DELHI — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declined to comment on ongoing anti-CEC protests in India, dismissing the demonstrations as an internal political matter while casting doubt on the credibility of United Nations human rights critics.

Speaking on the developments, Rubio questioned the standing of international monitors, referring to the term “UN experts” as an oxymoron. He contrasted the domestic situation with countries like Cuba, noting that India functions as a democracy with active elections and opposition groups.

The remarks follow escalating domestic tensions stemming from opposition parties and student groups demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protests erupted over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, with demonstrators raising allegations of irregularities and questioning the deletion of names from voter lists.

In response to the unrest, more than 20 UN human rights experts called for an independent investigation into the handling of the demonstrations. According to the UN panel, authorities allegedly used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, detained individuals arbitrarily, and imposed strict restrictions on public assemblies.

The Election Commission has defended the electoral roll revision, stating the exercise is designed to remove duplicate entries alongside the names of deceased, shifted, and ineligible voters, while providing provisions for appeals.

At the United Nations, Indian diplomat Barkha Tamrakar responded to international scrutiny by asserting that human rights mechanisms should not be deployed as instruments for political pressure or the selective targeting of nations. India has consistently rejected outside criticism regarding its management of demonstrations, maintaining that such commentary constitutes unwarranted interference in its internal affairs.