Criticizing the letter against Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned what was wrong with asking questions. The Congress leader said that democracy is not strengthened by keeping one's eyes, ears, or mouths shut. Khera said that asking questions does not mean attacking; this mentality has been instilled in this country by the Prime Minister.
New Delhi: Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday criticized a letter written by former bureaucrats and judges condemning Rahul Gandhi’s repeated allegations against the Election Commission and other state bodies. In a letter, more than 272 respected citizens, including 16 judges, 123 retired bureaucrats, 14 ambassadors, and 133 retired armed forces officers, condemned the repeated attacks on national constitutional authorities by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Kheda said that first the BJP and then retired officials came to the defense of the current Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. Criticizing this move, he said that questions strengthen democracy. The Congress leader said, “We saw their signatures. The issue is that if the functioning of the Election Commission is being questioned, and the entire opposition is doing so, first the BJP comes to the defense of a serving Election Commissioner, and then retired officials come to the defense.”
Taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kheda said that the Prime Minister is promoting a mentality where asking questions is tantamount to attacking someone. Aren’t questions necessary to keep democracy alive? Do these people want to see democracy die in their lifetime? Asking questions doesn’t mean attacking; this mentality has been instilled in this country by the Prime Minister… Questions strengthen democracy. He said, “Closing eyes, closing ears, or keeping quiet doesn’t strengthen democracy.”
The letter stated that instead of presenting real policy options, Congress leaders are resorting to baseless allegations. Condemning the alleged repeated attacks on institutions, such as questioning the valor of the armed forces and the impartiality of the judiciary, the letter states that this time the Election Commission is facing systematic and conspiratorial attacks on its integrity and reputation.
Curated by: Pankaj Singh
About the Author
Pankaj Singh is an Assistant Editor at Navbharat Times Digital. He has been associated with journalism for over 18 years. He has extensive experience in current affairs, politics, and ground reporting. During this time, he has covered political news, including the Delhi Assembly elections, the Railways elections, and the Lok Sabha elections.
Courtesy: Hindi News