Congress stages save democracy protest in Shimla, alleges misuse of institutions

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Shimla, June 30

The Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Organization organized a ‘Save Democracy Satyagraha’ at the historic Ridge in Shimla, where party leaders and workers spun the charkha before the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and appealed to the President of India to intervene to protect democratic institutions and the Constitution.

Addressing the gathering,  organisation’s national president, Dr Sunil Panwar, levelled allegations against the Central Government, the Election Commission and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that democratic institutions were being misused and that the country was witnessing attempts to weaken the opposition and move towards a one-party system. Dr Panwar alleged that India’s democratic framework was under threat and that the voting rights of millions of citizens were being undermined. He claimed that the Election Commission was not functioning impartially and that it was discriminating against opposition leaders.

Referring to the cancellation of the Rajya Sabha nomination of Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan in Madhya Pradesh, he described the development as undemocratic and alleged that the BJP was misusing democratic institutions to weaken the opposition and establish a one-party political system.

“The BJP is attempting to weaken the Opposition by misusing democratic institutions and impose a one-party system in the country,” Dr Panwar alleged.

He also criticized the Central Government over issues including the proposed trade deal with the United States, farmers’ interests, paper-leak cases, and employment opportunities for young people.

Dr Panwar said the organization would continue to hold phased satyagrahas across the country to uphold Gandhian ideals and protect the Constitution.

He stated that the campaign, which began at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, would now be expanded to all states and districts. Through the satyagraha, the organization would appeal to the President to ensure the impartial functioning of democratic institutions and safeguard the Constitution.