KPCC spokesperson accuses Centre of curtailing right to protest and free speech

The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Wednesday accused the Narendra Modi-led NDA government of suppressing the rights of students and youth, curbing democratic freedoms and adopting an “authoritarian approach” to governance.

In a press statement, KPCC spokesperson H.A. Venkatesh alleged that the Prime Minister was avoiding questions raised by the Opposition in Parliament while the Centre was denying citizens their constitutional rights to protest, hold peaceful meetings and exercise freedom of expression.

Claiming that the Centre’s actions had compelled citizens to seek legal remedies, he urged people to invoke Article 32 of the Constitution by filing writ petitions before the Supreme Court to challenge what he described as the government’s “rights-denying and authoritarian policies.”

Venkatesh further alleged that the BJP government was embroiled in several controversies, including the alleged NEET paper leak and alleged electoral irregularities, and accused it of attempting to silence public dissent by detaining Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

He contended that such actions amounted to a violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution, which protects the right to peaceful assembly and protest, as well as freedom of expression.

Referring to the alleged NEET paper leak, Venkatesh termed it a “systematic conspiracy” and alleged that more than 20 students had died by suicide following the controversy. He criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continuing to back Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan instead of seeking his resignation.

The KPCC spokesperson appealed to the President of India to issue appropriate directions to the Central government to ensure the protection of democratic freedoms.

Emphasising the significance of Article 32, which Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described as the “heart and soul” of the Constitution, Venkatesh called upon citizens to approach the Supreme Court to protect their constitutional rights.