Srinagar, 21 August (H.S.): J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president, Tariq Hameed Karra today claimed that under the BJP, India is turning into an “autocracy” from a democracy.

Speaking to reporters at the party headquarters Srinagar after paying tribute to former PM Late Rajiv Gandhi, Karra said the J&K Reorganization Amendment Bill-2025, along with two other bills tabled in Parliament, showcased the “authoritarian character” of the Government.

“Instead of strengthening the States and restoring Statehood to J&K, they have putforth an authoritarian attitude before the world, under which they want Chief Ministers and Ministers to simply toe the line. Bills showcase the authoritarian character,” he said.

Karra said the move applies not only to J&K but to the entire country, tightening the noose around Chief Ministers and Ministers.

He added that instead of fulfilling the wishes and aspirations of the people of J&K-who, he said, have been struggling for the restoration of their rights and dignity-the Government continues to display a “hostile mindset” towards them.

The rights of J&K were snatched, and they played with the identity and guarantees of J&K. People are struggling for their rights, but instead of addressing their aspirations, they have once again revealed their mindset,” he said.

Karra reiterated that he has been warning time and again that India is moving towards autocracy, arguing that the BJP’s mindset “goes against” the principles of democracy.

“The country is plunging into autocracy, and one of its ingredients is what they did yesterday-showing a hegemonial attitude. This mindset tarnishes the very principles of democracy,” he said.

He added that democracy is being replaced by autocracy and today, it exists “only in name.”

Stressing that the BJP has failed on every front, Karra said whatever it is doing is driven by “fear” and aimed at diverting people’s attention from real issues.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar