Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the Congress of undermining democratic movements that seek accountability and systemic reforms, alleging that the party does not allow other leaders, particularly young opposition figures, to emerge.
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit, Modi said protests highlighting the government's shortcomings were necessary in a democracy but claimed that Congress was weakening such efforts. His remarks come amid demonstrations in Delhi over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls, demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and concerns over restrictions on the right to protest.
Modi accuses Congress of stifling democratic movements
“Movements that naturally seek to highlight the government’s shortcomings and bring about reforms in the system are also necessary in a democracy. But Congress destroys these movements as well. It has become a parasite that does not want anyone else to move forward,” he said.
The prime minister also alleged that Congress was unwilling to give younger opposition leaders a platform, accusing the party of keeping the spotlight on a single leader while overlooking other voices.
“Congress does not allow others to get an opportunity. It wants to keep only one person in the limelight and does not listen to the voices of young leaders in the opposition,” the prime minister said.
'Not as many launches from Sriharikota'
Modi also targeted Congress over its efforts to promote its leadership, drawing a comparison with rocket launches from Sriharikota to criticise what he described as repeated failures.
“I don’t know how long Congress will continue putting the country’s interests at stake to launch its failed product. In a year, there are not as many launches from Sriharikota as the number of failed attempts Congress makes to launch its leader,” he said.
He further accused the opposition party of damaging India's reputation while trying to shield its leadership from criticism.
“Congress can continue on its path of decline; we have no problem with that. But to protect its family from repeated failures, it is putting the country’s reputation on trial. The grapes are so sour that Congress is trying to cut down the very vine that bears them,” Modi said.
Protests over SIR and CEC's resignation
Delhi has witnessed demonstrations by student groups, youth organisations such as the All India Students' Association (AISA) and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The protesters have sought Kumar's resignation, alleging irregularities in the revision exercise and expressing concern over the deletion of eligible voters' names. The Election Commission has maintained that the exercise aims to update electoral rolls and remove entries of deceased, duplicate and ineligible voters.