NEW DELHI: The Congress launched a sharp political attack against PM Narendra Modi-led government on Wednesday, accusing it of running an “undeclared emergency” over the past 11 years. The grand old party alleged that “Indian democracy is facing a systematic and dangerous five-fold assault” under the current regime.The party’s sharp criticism came as Prime Minister Modi and the BJP marked the day as a reminder of the “darkest chapter” in India’s democratic history, referring to 1975 Emergency that was declared under former PM Indira Gandhi‘s government. Congress, however, turned the spotlight on the present, listing what it says are five areas where democracy is under threat.
‘Attacks on the Constitution’
Ramesh alleged that during the 2024 general elections, “the Prime Minister sought a Char Sau Paar mandate for a new Constitution and to betray Dr. Ambedkar‘s legacy.” He claimed that voters rejected this and chose to “preserve, protect, and further promote economic, social, and political justice enshrined in the existing Constitution.”He also said Parliament had been weakened, with MPs suspended “merely for raising issues of public concern,” and that key legislation was “bulldozed through” without proper debate. He added that the government had “eroded the autonomy of Constitutional bodies” and “destroyed Centre-state relations.”
‘Tax terrorism and intimidation of businesses and institutions
Congress accused the Modi government of creating a climate of fear, where “regulatory retaliation has had a chilling effect on previously outspoken business leaders.” The post further claimed that “major assets, including airports, ports, cement plants, and even media houses, have been handed over to this group,” referring to a favoured business conglomerate.
‘Control over media’
According to Congress, “journalists and news outlets critical of the government have faced intimidation, arrests, and raids.” It alleged that government advertising is used to control media content, while taxpayer-funded broadcasters have turned into “tools to troll the Opposition and push divisive narratives.” The RTI Act, once a tool for accountability, has been “neutered,” the party said.
‘Rampant misuse of investigative agencies’
The post 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 raising Rs 8,000 crore through “illegal collection of Electoral Bonds.” It further 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 establishment of vilifying government critics, saying “protesting farmers were labelled ‘Khalistanis’, and advocates of caste census were dismissed as ‘urban Naxals’.” It also alleged that “the killers of Mahatma Gandhi are glorified,” while “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 during 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.”