Cong protests in front assembly complex
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 27 2023:
Denouncing the disqualification of party leader Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha, Congress workers and leaders led by CLP leader O Ibobi Singh and MPCC president K Meghachandra staged protest in front of the state assembly complex, here, by wearing black cloths.
Speaking on the sideline of the protest that started from noon on Monday, Ibobi told media persons that the Modi government is suppressing democracy through imposition of dictatorial form of government.
With the fate of democracy in the country remaining uncertain under the present government, the protest was launched to save democracy, he said while strongly condemning disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from the Lok Sabha.
Every citizen has the right to express his/her opinions in a democratic country and elected leaders being representatives of the people have the right to made comment and criticise the ruling side.
However, statements made by Rahul Gandhi and Congress president in the Parliament were deleted from the proceedings of the Parliament, which indeed was undemocratic.
Giving clarification to such criticism by minister concerned in the House is the norm but removing voice of the people from the proceedings of the Parliament severely belittles democracy, Ibobi maintained while expressing that fate of democracy is uncertain in the country today though such arbitrary decisions and acts.
While maintaining that the remark made by Rahul Gandhi was not personal and it is norms of the Parliament to discuss criticism made against the ruling side, he said that a healthy democracy will prevail only when criticisms against the ruling side are accepted and discussed thoroughly.
Seeking reason as to why BJP leaders including PM Modi should be sceptical when Rahul Gandhi comments in the Parliament, O Ibobi said that removal of Rahul Gandhi's statement from the proceedings of the Parliament was akin to attacking democracy though the country claims to be the largest democracy in the world.
He also expressed serious concerned over gradual dilution of true essence of democracy as freedom of speech and expression as guaranteed by the Constitution is being muzzled by BJP government at the Centre.