Attack on democracy visible across the country, starting with Bengal: Selja

Hisar: Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Kumari Selja on Sunday alleged that an "attack on democracy" was visible across the country, citing developments in West Bengal as a prominent example. She accused the BJP-led central govt of misusing central investigative agencies against political opponents ahead of elections. Kumari Selja made the remarks while meeting Congress workers in the Dabwali area of Sirsa district to hear public grievances. She alleged that it became evident that, as elections drew closer, the BJP intensified the use of central agencies to target opposition leaders, particularly in states where the party was not in power."West Bengal is a clear example, where attempts are being made to destabilise the elected govt and influence the democratic process before elections," she said, adding that such actions reflected the BJP's lack of faith in democratic institutions. The Congress MP said the party consistently stood with the poor and marginalised sections of society. Referring to the UPA govt led by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, she said the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was enacted to provide the rural poor with a legal guarantee of 100 days of employment, with the central govt bearing the full financial responsibility. Selja alleged that the BJP govt weakened the core spirit of the scheme by curtailing the powers of panchayats and state govts. She further claimed that the Centre made the programme ineffective by imposing a 40 per cent financial burden on states, despite limited year-round employment opportunities in rural areas."These policies clearly show that the BJP govt favours the wealthy and is not serious about protecting the livelihoods and dignity of the poor," she alleged. She said the Congress would continue to fight resolutely to safeguard the rights of the poor and marginalised. Senior Congress leader Dr KV Singh was also present on the occasion. MSID:: 126464715 413 |