Modi government has imposed an ‘undeclared Emergency’, alleges Kharge

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged on Sunday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had imposed an "undeclared Emergency" to curb protests against perceived electoral fraud. Kharge claimed the government was stopping transport, blocking internet, seizing phones, and detaining young activists to silence opposition voices.

He likened the current situation to India's 1975-77 Emergency, but pointed out that essential services like trains, flights and schools remained operational during that period. Kharge accused Modi, Shah and Delhi Police of harassing protesters in Delhi ahead of a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He accused the government of ignoring concerns over alleged vote rigging in Maharashtra, Haryana and Karnataka, including Aland and Mahagaon.

Kharge questioned the immunity granted to the Chief Election Commissioner under a 2023 law, arguing it prevented the CEC from being held accountable. He demanded the Chief Election Commissioner's removal and action against those involved in electoral manipulation, including Modi and Shah. Kharge also demanded elections using paper ballots instead of electronic voting machines, removal of EVMs from the electoral process, and Kumar's dismissal.

He called for the resignation of governments allegedly elected through fraud, and the dissolution of their state assemblies. Kharge said he and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had requested a meeting with the Chief Justice of India to submit a letter, and other alliance leaders would join the delegation if permitted.