Modi government has converted India into 'muzzled democracy': Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Modi government Saturday, accusing it of transforming India's democratic institutions into a repressive system. Speaking on social media, Kharge characterized the current administration as displaying "cowardice" through its detention policies.

Kharge claimed that youth, students, lawyers, journalists, social activists, farm union leaders, and content creators face detention for questioning government policies. "Our nation, once the mother of democracy, has become a muzzled democracy," he stated, alleging that the government is weaponizing law enforcement against those who voice dissent.

The Congress chief asserted that detention, arrests, incarceration, and police action cannot suppress India's people. Drawing parallels to India's independence struggle, Kharge emphasized the historical role of youth in nation-building and vowed sustained resistance. "We will fight this tyrannical regime tooth and nail," he declared, pledging that the Congress party and the united opposition would continue their struggle for democratic freedoms.

Kharge's remarks reflect growing tensions between the opposition and the government over alleged restrictions on civil liberties and freedom of expression.