Sachin Pilot Criticizes Election Commission Amid Allegations of Democratic Erosion: A Deep Dive into Political Turmoil
EC remained ‘silent’ when Cong bank accounts were frozen: Pilot
Kathua/Jammu, 16-04-2024 : Sachin Pilot, a senior leader of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and a prominent campaigner for the Congress party, criticized the Election Commission (EC) for its perceived inaction amid what he described as attacks on democracy. Speaking at a rally in support of Congress candidate Choudhary Lal Singh in the Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, Pilot condemned the freezing of the Congress party’s bank accounts and the imprisonment of elected Chief Ministers, accusing the BJP government of using religious polarization tactics to deflect attention from its developmental shortcomings.
Pilot alleged that the Election Commission had remained a passive spectator to these incidents, contrasting it with the party’s struggle for justice in the Chandigarh Mayoral elections, which required Supreme Court intervention. He lambasted the BJP for what he termed as their exploitation of religious sentiments for political mileage, highlighting their focus on issues like Mandir-Masjid disputes and Hindu-Muslim divides while neglecting crucial concerns such as education, healthcare, and employment.
Asserting a nationwide wave of change, Pilot claimed to have witnessed discontent with the BJP’s decade-long rule across various states. He emphasized the need for accountability regarding the BJP’s governance record and highlighted key promises from the Congress manifesto, including a significant annual financial aid for women from impoverished backgrounds.
Pilot also accused the administration under the Lieutenant Governor of facilitating land encroachments by outsiders, exacerbating the plight of local residents. Addressing concerns over the delay in conducting Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, he assured the audience that polls would take place before September, citing a Supreme Court directive.
Drawing parallels with recent judicial interventions, such as the construction of the Ram temple and the legality of electoral bonds, Pilot underscored the importance of judicial oversight in upholding democratic principles. He called upon voters to support the Congress candidate in the upcoming Udhampur Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing the party’s commitment to addressing pressing issues faced by the populace.
In another rally held in support of Congress candidate Raman Bhalla in the RS Pura area of the Jammu Lok Sabha constituency, Pilot reiterated his confidence in the victory of the INDI Alliance across all six Lok Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He criticized the BJP for its alleged failure to fulfill promises made to the people post the abrogation of Article 370, resulting in increased unemployment and social unrest. Joined by other party leaders, Pilot rallied support for the Congress and condemned divisive politics propagated by the BJP.
