BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday questioned whether democracy still existed in the country, asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explain whether the actions taken against protesters in Delhi reflected democratic governance or an Emergency-like situation.
“The Prime Minister needs to answer whether what is happening in this country is democracy or an Emergency,” Shivakumar said, criticising the restrictions imposed on protests, the disruption of internet services and the reported arrests of political representatives.
He said citizens had the right to protest peacefully and express their opinions in a democracy. “There is an opportunity to protest. If the authorities are saying that protests cannot be allowed, they must clarify whether such orders were issued or not,” he said.
Describing the reported arrests of representatives, including those taken off flights, as an insult to the country, Shivakumar said such incidents tarnished India's international reputation as a democracy.
“Everyone across the world considers India a great democracy, but actions like these leave a big blot on its image. It is very unfortunate that such incidents are taking place in the country,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the authorities should engage with protesters rather than prevent them from raising questions. They should allow representatives to meet the Election Commission and other leaders, he said.
“In public life, we must accept criticism. If anyone is doing something wrong, we have to accept it. This kind of behaviour shows cowardice,” he said.
Asked about the Congress not participating in the protest on Saturday, Shivakumar said the party was pursuing its own course and that he did not wish to interfere in its decisions.
“They are doing things on their own, and we do not want to stop them.We do not want to interfere or prevent them from doing so. Some INDIA bloc parties are participating, and that is their right,” he said.
“We will fight for the rights of voters. Every voter in this country must be protected and retain the right to vote. You cannot simply delete their names from the electoral rolls,” Shivakumar said.
Pointing to alleged large-scale deletions of voter names in Karnataka, he said the issue required serious attention and political action.
He alleged that the deletion of votes belonging to Dalits, minorities and backward classes for political reasons was neither humane nor democratic.
“Snatching away the votes of Dalits, minorities and backward classes for political purposes is neither humane nor democratic. We will definitely fight against this and protect our people,” he said.
Welcoming the representation submitted by 144 former IAS officers on the issue, Shivakumar said they were performing their duty and voicing concerns that went beyond party politics.
“This is the voice of the country, not the voice of any one political party,” he said.
