Priyanka Gandhi Says Delhi Protesters’ Detention Shows Government Is ‘Terrified’

In a post on X, the Wayanad MP accused the government of infringing on the constitutional rights of Opposition MPs and protesters. She alleged that 254 MPs had been roughed up and detained illegally before similar action was taken against demonstrators from Opposition parties.

Vadra also criticised the security arrangements in the national capital, alleging that barricades, checkpoints and restrictions on transport and internet services had been imposed to prevent people from exercising their right to protest.

“If this isn’t proof that they have cheated the elections with the collusion of the Election Commission, and are terrified that the illegitimacy of their government is being exposed and accountability is being demanded, then what is?” she wrote.

Accusing the government of undermining democratic institutions, Vadra described India as a dictatorship under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. She further alleged that those collaborating to undermine democracy were committing treason against the nation.

Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh also criticised the security measures in Delhi, describing the national capital as having been turned into a fortress.

In a post on X, Ramesh alleged that the government was unsettled by peaceful protests by young people against what he described as efforts to undermine the constitutional right to vote under Article 326.

He also questioned Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s conduct, alleging substantial evidence that the poll chief had followed the directions of the Prime Minister and Home Minister at the time of his appointment.

Referring to the suspension of 145 Opposition MPs in December 2023, Ramesh alleged that Parliament had passed legislation granting lifetime legal protection to certain officials by force.

Calling for Kumar’s resignation, Ramesh described it as a moral imperative and said it would be only the first step towards restoring public confidence in democratic institutions.

He also demanded that the SIR exercise be halted, claiming that nearly 14 crore Indians had already been deprived of their voting rights through the process. He said cancelling the exercise was necessary to rebuild public trust in the electoral system.