The Guardian Critiques Modi Government’s Democratic Claims Amidst Elections

Islamabad, A recent report by The Guardian has sparked controversy by challenging the democratic claims of India’s government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coinciding with the start of India’s seven-phase Lok Sabha elections.

According to Kashmir Media Service, The Guardian’s report scrutinizes the Modi administration’s portrayal of India as the world’s largest democracy. It highlights discrepancies in the government’s conduct that contradict democratic norms, such as the pre-emptive declaration of election victories and practices that skew the electoral playing field.

The report details several instances perceived as undemocratic, including the freezing of opposition party accounts, the arrest of key opposition leaders, and the alleged misuse of prosecutorial power to suppress dissent. Furthermore, it notes that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has received an unusual amount of aid amounting to 1.25 billion, raising questions about the fairness of electoral competition.

The Guardian also touches on the broader societal impacts of the Modi government’s policies, particularly on India’s Muslim community, which numbers over 200 million. The report suggests that the administration has fostered an environment where Hindu extremism prevails, leading to increased discrimination and violence against Muslims, especially in regions where Modi’s popularity is weak.