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A third term for Modi threatens democracy says IOC-USA

The IOCUSA also slammed the Modi government generally on “broken promises and betrayal of public trust” but specifically on the controversy currently going on in India

A third term for Modi threatens democracy says IOC-USA / INC

Calling the forthcoming polls as the “mother of all Lok Sabha elections” and stressing that the once cherished status of India as a “beacon of democracy” is under threat, the Indian Overseas Congress of the United States has said that it is firm in the resolve of ensuring the country remains a land where “every citizen is treated equally, regardless of religion, case, language or region”.

“The stakes are high, as Indian democracy faces unprecedented challenges. A potential third term for the current Prime Minister Modi could steer the country towards electoral autocracy, threatening the very foundation of democratic principles”, the IOCUSA has said in a media release adding that democracy is under siege “with increasing disregard for constitutional values of equality and a disturbing legitimization of discrimination based on religion”.

The urgency for change has “never been more palpable”, the media statement says pointing out to the unemployment rate of 44.5 percent among youth between 20 to 24 years of age and a record demand for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in rural India.

“ Promises made to Indian farmers, such as Minimum Support Price (MSP) assurances, have remained unfulfilled, adding to the disillusionment of the populace. Furthermore, the alarming incidents of violence against women, exemplified by the horrific gang rapes in Manipur, underscore the urgent need for leadership that not only espouses respect for women but also takes tangible actions to ensure their safety and dignity”, the presser notes.

The IOCUSA also slammed the Modi government generally on “broken promises and betrayal of public trust” but specifically on the controversy currently going on in India on Electoral Bonds and the use of investigative agencies for political gain. “… the BJP has emerged as the primary beneficiary… (cornering) three-quarters of the electoral bonds or Rs 6,564 crores (US$791million)”.

It has been pointed out that the Modi administration weaponized Central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax departments to intimidate and extort money for the BJP for political gain.

“ In this critical juncture, the Congress Party, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, emerges as a beacon of hope and the true alternative. With a steadfast commitment to addressing the pressing issues plaguing our nation, the Congress Party pledges to effectuate real change and fulfill the promise of a true democratic India for all”, the IOCUSA says.

 

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