'Undeclared Emergency': Congress's Five-Fold Attack On Modi Govt 's 11 Years

Congress general secretary in charge of communications on Monday launched a strong political attack against Modi government alleging it for running an “undeclared emergency” over the past 11 years. The party’s sharp criticism came as Prime Minister Modi and the BJP launched a full-scale attack against the Congress on the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency by then Indira Gandhi government. The Congress alleged that the government was weakening Parliament and has consistently eroded the autonomy of Constitutional bodies.

In a statement, Ramesh lists five areas where democracy is under threat. He then delved in to the five factors – “Attacks on the Constitution”, “Tax Terrorism and Intimidation of Businesses and Institutions”, “Control Over the Media”, “Rampant Misuse of Investigative Agencies”, and “Unbridled Hate Speech and Crackdown on Civil Liberties”.

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,” Ramesh said. He stated that Indian voters rejected this and they voted for “preserving, protecting, and further promoting economic, social, and political justice enshrined in the existing Constitution.”

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Tax terrorism and intimidation of businesses and institutions

Congress attacked the Modi government for creating a “fear of regulatory retaliation”. Investigative agencies are working to patronise a favourite business group as well as major assets, including airports, ports, cement plants, and even media houses, have been handed over to this group, the party alleges. “Prominent educational institutions have faced arbitrary tax demands. Around 20,000 independent civil society voices have been silenced,” Ramesh writes.

Control Over the Media

“Journalists and news outlets critical of the government have faced intimidation, arrests, and raids. Owners are pressured to hire government-friendly journalists, and government advertising and permits are used as tools to control editorial content,” Congress accuses. Ramesh points out the state broadcasters were reduced merely to trolling the Opposition and pushing divisive narratives. “The Right to Information, a powerful tool in the hands of the powerless, has been neutered,” Congress leader added.

Rampant Misuse of Investigative Agencies

Investigative Agencies have been misused to “harass and defame” opposition party leaders. “Investigative agencies were used to facilitate the illegal collection of ₹8,000 crores in Electoral Bonds for the BJP. Those who switch parties and join the BJP automatically become ED-mukt and CBI-mukt,” Congress leader alleges.

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Unbridled Hate Speech and Crackdown on Civil Liberties

Congress criticised the Modi government for vilifying government critics, labelling protesting farmers as “Khalistanis”, and dismissing the advocates of caste census as “urban Naxals”.

“The killers of Mahtama Gandhi are glorified. Minorities live in fear of their lives and property. Dalits and other marginalised groups have been disproportionately targeted, and ministers making hate speeches have been rewarded with promotions,” Jairam Ramesh further added.