Shekhawat Accuses Opposition Leaders of Undermining Democracy for Personal Gain
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has launched a sharp critique against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, accusing them of attempting to weaken constitutional institutions to advance their own political ambitions. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Shekhawat characterized this behavior as "fatal for the country's democracy" and described it as a "curse" that threatens the nation's democratic fabric.
The minister’s comments came in direct response to recent statements made by Kejriwal, who had urged protesters to march into Delhi. Kejriwal suggested that any location where police attempted to stop the demonstrators should be converted into a protest site, similar to the Jantar Mantar landmark. Shekhawat criticized this approach, claiming that Rahul Gandhi is now adopting and propagating Kejriwal’s narrative and issues, indicating that the opposition's intentions have "stooped to a low level."
Shekhawat further condemned individuals who carry copies of the Constitution in their pockets while simultaneously attempting to undermine the very institutions it establishes. He argued that such actions are not only contradictory but also detrimental to the rule of law and democratic stability.
Security Crackdown and Mass Detentions at Jantar Mantar
The political confrontation intensified on Saturday during a protest at Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The event was marked by heightened security measures and widespread detentions across the national capital.
Authorities took significant steps to control the movement of protesters, including erecting barricades at the Ghazipur border and closing gates at 45 Metro stations. In a notable development, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka, and Saurav Das were detained from an aircraft upon their arrival.
Approximately 1,000 people were detained in Delhi during the protests. Among those held were prominent political figures such as AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan, and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The scale of the detentions underscored the severity of the government's response to the demonstrations.
Shekhawat Defends BJP’s Stance on Constitutional Bodies
Addressing allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is acting as a mouthpiece for the Chief Election Commissioner, Shekhawat asserted that defending constitutional bodies against politically motivated falsehoods is a fundamental democratic duty. He stated that if standing up against such falsehoods makes the party a spokesperson for the CEC, then they are and will continue to be so.
Shekhawat also addressed recent comments by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who had criticized BJP leader Nitin Nabin. Shekhawat dismissed Gehlot’s allegations as an outcome of "political frustration" and "annoyance." He argued that Gehlot has no right to comment on Nitin Nabin and should instead introspect regarding who is behind the transpiring events rather than interpreting them with alternative motives.
The minister’s remarks highlight the growing tension between the ruling party and opposition leaders over the role of constitutional institutions in Indian politics. As protests continue across various states, the debate over the independence and authority of bodies like the Election Commission remains a central point of contention.