New Delhi: During a crucial meeting of the Indian National Congress Working Committee in New Delhi, the party placed five key demands before the central government. On the occasion, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge shared a post on social media sharply criticizing the central government’s policies and making serious allegations.
Kharge wrote that the Congress currently bears a responsibility similar to the one it had during the struggle against British rule—to protect India’s democracy and Constitution. He said that just as India’s freedom fighters waged a long struggle to secure voting rights, the country is once again facing a battle to protect those same rights.
The Congress president further wrote in his social media post: “The foundation of a strong and inclusive democracy laid by our nation-builders and ancestors has been undermined in a highly planned and conspiratorial manner by the current Modi government during its last 12 years in power.”
Kharge alleged that the names of ordinary citizens are being systematically removed from electoral rolls as part of a deliberate conspiracy. He also claimed that the Election Commission of India appears to be acting under pressure from the current government.
Referring to the views of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, one of the principal architects of the Indian Constitution, Kharge said that Ambedkar had made it clear that no voter’s name should be deleted on the basis of the personal whims of, or pressure exerted by, any official. Kharge alleged that, in contrast, administrative officials today are arbitrarily deleting names from electoral rolls at the direction of the ruling party and the Modi government.
He said Dr. Ambedkar regarded the right to vote as one of the most fundamental and sacred foundations of the democratic system, but alleged that this fundamental right is now being openly violated.
In a sharp criticism of the government, Kharge said that those whom the people entrusted with safeguarding their votes are now being accused of undermining the electoral process and voting rights.
