Opposition targets Modi government over ‘undeclared emergency’ in Delhi ahead of youth protest
Opposition leaders in India are accusing the Modi government of creating an 'undeclared emergency' by restricting protests in Delhi. The demonstrations were planned by student groups to protest against the Chief Election Commissioner regarding alleged electoral manipulation.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights growing tensions between the Indian opposition and the ruling government over democratic processes and the right to peaceful assembly.
From using an iconic dialogue from the 1975 Hindi film classic Sholay to writing a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that Jantar Mantar is kept open for protests , Opposition leaders targeted the Narendra Modi government over unprecedented curbs and an “undeclared emergency” in Delhi.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge played on the iconic movie dialogue, delivered by actor Amjad Khan in the role of Gabbar Singh, — jo dar gaya samjho mar gaya (one who is afraid is considered dead) — to take a dig at the government over the restrictions in place ahead of the youth protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other student organisations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral manipulation.
“They [the government] are scared. Aur jo aadmi darta hai vo aaj nahi toh kal marta hai,” Mr. Kharge told reporters in the Parliament House complex.
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