Modi government has imposed an ‘undeclared Emergency’, alleges Kharge
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the Modi government of imposing an 'undeclared Emergency' to suppress opposition protests against alleged electoral irregularities. He demanded the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner and a return to paper ballots, citing concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
Why it matters
The allegations highlight escalating tensions between the Indian opposition and the ruling government regarding the credibility of the Election Commission and the electoral system, which is critical to the stability of the world's largest democracy.
Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday (October 11) accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of imposing an “undeclared Emergency” to suppress protests against alleged electoral manipulation. He alleged that restrictions on transport services and internet access, seizure of mobile phones and detention of young protesters were aimed at silencing the Opposition.
Speaking to media representatives at Kalaburagi Airport, Mr. Kharge compared the situation with the Emergency of 1975–77, during which he was a Minister.
“Trains were not disrupted, flights were not disrupted, and educational institutions functioned smoothly during the Emergency. But today, there is no declared Emergency; this is an undeclared Emergency,” he said.
He held Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah and the Delhi Police responsible for the restrictions and police action against protesters in Delhi a day before against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
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