More than 400 students, researchers, academics, and alumni of Indian origin have voiced concern over what they described as attempts to weaken India’s democracy and constitutional institutions through disruptive street protests.
While their statement does not name any particular protest or group, it comes amid a series of protests against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
it comes amid a series of protests against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls While their statement does not name any particular protest or group. “In the seven decades since independence, Indian democracy has proved its resilience repeatedly. The statement also alleges that the Armed Forces are being unfairly pulled into political controversies. The signatories further argue that distrust in Indian democracy is being created by politicising matters that are sub judice. They say these issues are then amplified on the streets by elements they describe as anarchic, who have never believed in constitutional governance. The opposition has been among the most visible voices on SIR.
Rahul Gandhi said around 300 opposition MPs wanted to meet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the other commissioners to raise questions on SIR.
Linked to leading universities in 27 countries, they have signed a joint statement titled “Spare India From Anarchy”. Institutions have flourished, checks and balances have functioned admirably, and peaceful transition of power has remained an enduring hallmark,” the statement said. The signatories expressed concern over what they described as a growing trend of rejecting electoral outcomes, questioning constitutional institutions and prioritising “the street over Parliament”. Unfavourable election results are increasingly followed by allegations about the fairness of the process, according to the statement. It says the same happens with court verdicts, where comments are made that weaken judicial independence. Doing so in the name of saving democracy, the statement says, is deeply contradictory and troubling. INDIA bloc MPs held a “Save Democracy” march from Parliament towards the Election Commission’s Nirvachan Sadan headquarters on 6 October, but were stopped by barricades. The poll body said no political party had sought an appointment, while Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said the opposition should not politicise the issue.
