Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Centre during the second day of the special session of the Punjab Assembly, alleging that democratic institutions were under pressure and that the electoral process was being undermined.
Addressing the House, Mann said it was a matter of concern that governments were no longer simply being elected by the people, but were increasingly deciding who would be allowed to vote and whose names would be removed from electoral rolls.
He claimed that 14 crore voters had been removed from electoral lists and alleged that new voters were facing difficulties in getting registered. He also accused central investigative agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), of targeting opposition leaders during elections.
“Earlier, people used to elect governments. Today, governments are deciding who will vote and whose votes will be deleted,” Mann said, expressing concern over what he described as the weakening of democracy.
Chief Minister said the four pillars of democracy were shackled by the chains of dictatorship and warned that the alleged theft of votes posed a serious threat to the country's democratic system.
The resolution under discussion in the Assembly was subsequently passed.
‘Punjab Has Always Raised Its Voice Against Oppression’
Mann said Punjab had historically stood against injustice and oppression and had always raised its voice against authoritarian practices.
Taking aim at the Centre, he alleged that democratic institutions were being weakened and accused the ruling establishment of using its power to influence the political environment.
Chief Minister also criticised what he described as selective positions taken by political parties on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the Election Commission. He said parties questioned EVMs when results did not favour them but defended the system when it suited their political interests.
Referring to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Mann questioned the support extended to him and alleged that political leaders were rallying behind the poll chief in a manner that served their interests.
Mann Takes Dig Over France Visit, Pakistan Invitation
During the Assembly proceedings, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan informed the House that Punjabi poet Baba Nazmi had sent his greetings.
Responding to the remark, Mann said he had also spoken to Baba Nazmi and had received an invitation from Pakistan to participate in the World Punjabi Conference.
Taking a dig at the restrictions surrounding his recent visit to France, Mann said that if he was not being allowed to travel to France, it was difficult to imagine how he would be permitted to visit Pakistan.
He added that if the Kartarpur Corridor were opened without restrictions, he would visit the shrine to pay his respects.
‘Democratically Elected Dictators’
Mann also accused the BJP of adopting authoritarian practices despite being elected through democratic elections.
“They have become democrats — dictators elected through democratic means,” he remarked, targeting the ruling establishment over its handling of democratic institutions.
Referring to the Gujarat elections, Mann questioned the timing of an alleged electricity tariff hike of ₹3 after the election code of conduct came into force. He said he had expected the decision to affect the electoral outcome, but the BJP went on to secure a sweeping victory.
The Chief Minister's remarks came amid a wider political confrontation over the Election Commission, electoral rolls and the functioning of democratic institutions.
The special session has become a platform for the Aam Aadmi Party government to intensify its criticism of the Centre and the BJP over issues concerning electoral fairness and the independence of constitutional institutions.
