Congress-led opposition parties on Thursday launched a scathing attack against the central government after Congress leader Pawan Khera was arrested by the Assam Police in connection with his alleged derogatory remarks against PM Modi. He was later released on interim bail following the intervention of the Supreme Court.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the central government for acting against Kheda and alleged that it was a pattern. “Notice is given to opposition members if they raise issues in Parliament and Enforcement Directorate Raids are conducted at the places of our leaders in Chhattisgarh before the plenary session.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh called for action against Pawan Khera, who is the latest example of PM Modi’s politics of “vendetta, harassment and intimidation”.
Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal, who was with Kheda during the incident, said, “The way they are doing this, it is condemnable. We are all going to Raipur for the plenary session.” Pawan Kheda was also traveling with us, suddenly they offloaded Pawan Khera from the plane without any valid reason.”
“After half an hour, Delhi Police comes and says they have to hand him (Kheda) over to Assam Police. We asked if there is any FIR, arrest warrant or any document, but there is nothing, only oral orders ” Congress general secretary in-charge of the organization said. How can this happen, has India become a “banana republic”, he asked.
Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also condemned the government’s action against Kheda and said it seemed that “the ruling party has no faith in law, constitution and democracy”.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot compared the country’s political situation with the Emergency and said, “Today the situation in the country is worse than the Emergency.” Worldwide. Nothing can be more unfortunate than this, that is why we say that democracy is in danger and the constitution is being torn to shreds. This pride of his will not last, the public will destroy his pride.
A similar comparison was also made by Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut, who said, “They wanted to make big news, so they arrested Pawan Khera. Also, 24 hours before the Congress session in Chhattisgarh, close aides of the CM and Congress leaders were raided by the ED and CBI. They are strangling the opposition parties. This is only an emergency.”
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