Fight to safeguard democracy, voting rights is everyone’s responsibility

Mr. Lakshman Kumar strongly criticised the action taken against Opposition leaders for voicing their concerns through democratic means. He expressed his indignation over the manner in which Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, were dealt with by the police and the Union Government.

Questioning the government and seeking accountability over developments concerning the electoral process were legitimate democratic rights of the Opposition, he said. Attempts to silence voices that raise questions on behalf of the people would only deepen public apprehensions, he added.

The Minister stressed that protecting the right to vote guaranteed to every citizen by the Constitution was a collective responsibility. The people’s right to elect their representatives through their vote must not be weakened under any circumstances, he said.

He called upon the Union Government to take steps to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and to give a comprehensive response to the issues and concerns raised by the Opposition.

Mr. Lakshman Kumar said it was imperative that democratic institutions function independently and impartially so that the faith of the people in the country’s democratic framework remained intact.

The Congress would continue to stand with the people in defending the Constitution and upholding democratic values, Mr. Lakshman Kumar said.

The issue, he maintained, was not confined to any particular political party but concerned the fundamental democratic rights of every citizen of the country.

The Congress, along with the INDIA bloc parties, would continue its efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and safeguard constitutional values, he said.

“There will be no compromise when it comes to protecting the sanctity of the people’s vote. We will continue to pursue every democratic avenue available to safeguard the spirit of the Constitution,” Mr. Lakshman Kumar asserted.