Bengaluru, 22 July (H.S.): The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, accusing it of undermining democratic institutions, suppressing citizens' constitutional rights and attempting to silence dissent through what it described as an increasingly authoritarian style of governance.

In a statement, KPCC spokesperson H.A. Venkatesh alleged that the Union government was denying students, youth and ordinary citizens their fundamental rights to protest peacefully, assemble and express their opinions. He also claimed that the Centre was evading accountability by refusing to answer questions raised by the Opposition in Parliament on key national issues.

Venkatesh argued that citizens were being left with no option but to seek judicial intervention to safeguard their constitutional rights. He urged people to invoke Article 32 of the Constitution by approaching the Supreme Court through writ petitions against what he termed the government's rights-denying and authoritarian policies.

The Congress leader also linked the Centre's approach to the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak. He alleged that instead of addressing public concerns over the examination, the government had chosen to suppress protests and dissenting voices. Referring to the detention of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during demonstrations over the issue, Venkatesh claimed the action reflected an attempt to stifle democratic opposition.

He maintained that such measures violated Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to assemble peacefully, protest and freely express their views.

Venkatesh further alleged that the BJP-led government was facing multiple controversies, including the alleged NEET paper leak and electoral irregularities, but was unwilling to accept responsibility. He criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for continuing to support Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan despite mounting demands from Opposition parties for his resignation over the examination controversy.

He also alleged that the NEET controversy had driven several students to take their own lives, describing the episode as a systematic conspiracy that warranted an independent and transparent investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman