‘BJP v democracy’: India’s opposition alliance cries foul as election nears

ith less than two weeks to go before India’s election begins, Arvind Kejriwal, one of the country’s most prominent opposition leaders, would usually be out on the campaign trail. Instead,Kejriwal, who has been the chief minister of Delhi since 2015, is not the only leader from his opposition Aam Aadmi party to be locked up in Tihar. Alongside him is his former deputy chief minister, Manish Sisodia,, who has been incarcerated for more than a year.

While hundreds of such cases have been filed against opposition MPs and leaders since the BJP came to power in 2014, the recent escalation has provoked alarm about just how free and fair the election will be. Western countries, usually cautious about criticising India, have voiced concern, with the The BJP has denied any role in the arrests and cases, with Modi stating that the federal agency conducting the investigations, the Enforcement Directorate , is independent.Syed Zafar Islam, a BJP national spokesperson, called the allegations “baseless” and stressed that the ED was “completely independent” and could not bring a case unless it had sufficient evidence to show in court. “Whenever these parties are staring at defeat, they start talking about threats to democracy,” said Islam.

“The fundamental weakness of the opposition stems from the failures of our institutions to maintain their integrity and instead completely surrender to the government in power,” said Bhargava. Bhargava said that, given the wealth of the BJP compared with other parties, there was “a powerful combination of fear and money” behind these defections. “If opposition leaders can’t turn to the police or the judiciary or other institutions, then there’s little to stop them being left to rot in jail. So today, most people are trying to save their own skin.”

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

‘Balletcore’ fashion trend takes centre stage in winter 2024 – for men as well as womenThis season, designers are taking their cues from the stage and injecting collections with hyperfeminine looks that wouldn’t be out of place at the barre.
Source: FinancialReview - 🏆 2. / 90 Read more »

Property companies finding it easier to hire staff in 2024A new survey shows that property companies in the construction sector are facing less difficulty in hiring staff in 2024, leading to a decrease in their wages bill. The survey also reveals that property sector wage rises have moderated and some optimism is beginning to appear in the industry.
Source: FinancialReview - 🏆 2. / 90 Read more »

‘Fans can’t justify spending’: Wild MCG price rises for footy in 2024AFL: Tigers' trio Martin, Lynch and Nankervis are available for their upcoming clash against Carlton this Thursday, as the Tigers look to soothe the wounds of their round one loss.
Source: FOXSportsAUS - 🏆 24. / 51 Read more »

2024 Players Championship Ultimate Guide: Defending champ all the rage; the five Aussies in contentionGolf: Re-live some of the best moments from the infamous hole no.17 at THE PLAYERS Championship over the years.
Source: FOXSportsAUS - 🏆 24. / 51 Read more »

How to watch the 2024 Giro d'Italia LIVE on SBSThe Italian Grand Tour comes once again to SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand in 2024 with the notoriously steep slopes of the Alps, Dolomites and Apennines all set to feature, with coverage of every pedal stroke.
Source: SBSNews - 🏆 3. / 89 Read more »

SMH Schools Summit 2024 LIVE updates: Prue Car, Jason Clare speak; co-education on agendaCoeducation, funding and creating schools of the future: follow our live coverage of the Sydney Morning Herald Schools Summit.
Source: smh - 🏆 6. / 80 Read more »