Congress Alleges Attack on Democracy
India’s main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, declared that its bank accounts were frozen by federal tax authorities just weeks before the upcoming nationwide election. The party revealed that access to the accounts was temporarily restored following widespread criticism from the Congress and its allies. Congress Treasurer Ajay Maken emphasized that the move was perceived as an attack on democracy rather than just a financial restriction.
Temporary Access Granted by Tribunal
An income tax tribunal provided the Congress party with temporary access to its frozen accounts ahead of an upcoming hearing, as confirmed by lawyer and Congress lawmaker Vivek Tankha. The situation has sparked protests in Delhi, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge urging the judiciary to intervene and preserve India’s multi-party system.
Congress Vows to Protect Democracy
Former Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, known for his strong stance against authoritarianism, asserted that the party would fiercely defend India’s democracy. Gandhi’s statement reinforced the party’s commitment to upholding democratic values amid growing concerns about the stifling of dissent in the country.
Congress Party’s Struggle for Electoral Success
As the Indian National Congress strives to reclaim its political influence, the party’s attempts to form alliances with opposition groups face challenges amid the surging popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The upcoming election, expected to involve around 900 million voters, presents a critical juncture for India’s political landscape, with tensions escalating due to differing ideologies and policies.