Modi's Government Faces Criticism For Strong-Arm Tactics

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Amit Shah, in New Delhi, India, April 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File)

As India gears up for nationwide elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is under scrutiny for its strong-arm tactics against political opponents and critics. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has been accused of using corruption charges to target officials from rival parties, with few resulting in convictions. Opposition politicians have faced investigations and arrests, raising concerns about the state of democracy in the country.

Civil liberties are being challenged, with reports of crackdowns on peaceful protests, threats to press freedom, and a rise in violence against the Muslim minority. Critics argue that the government's actions are undermining India's commitment to multiparty democracy and secularism.

Defending Modi's Critics

Lawyer Mihir Desai has been vocal about the government's efforts to silence dissent. He is currently representing political activists and journalists jailed on what he believes are baseless charges. Desai points to alleged government hacking of computers to fabricate evidence as an example of the erosion of democratic values.

A Politician's Plight in Kashmir

Civil liberties challenged with crackdowns on protests and press freedom threats.

Prime Minister Modi's government accused of targeting political opponents with corruption charges.

Rising violence against the Muslim minority raises concerns about secularism.

Lawyer Mihir Desai criticizes government for silencing dissent through baseless charges.

Politician Waheed-Ur-Rehman Para faces arrests for supporting Kashmiri separatists.

Journalist Sidhique Kappan arrested while reporting on a sensitive case in Uttar Pradesh.

Growing risks for critical journalists in India lead to self-censorship in media outlets.

Concerns raised about long-term implications for India's diversity and democratic values.

Opposition politicians facing investigations and arrests, raising democracy concerns.

Overall, India's democracy and freedom of expression are at risk ahead of the elections.

Politician Waheed-Ur-Rehman Para, once an ally of the Indian government in Kashmir, has faced multiple arrests on charges of supporting separatists. Para, who advocates for Kashmir's integration with India through peaceful means, sees his ordeal as part of a broader crackdown on dissent, particularly among Muslim communities.

A Journalist Fights Charges

Journalist Sidhique Kappan's arrest while reporting on a sensitive case in Uttar Pradesh highlights the challenges faced by independent media in India. Kappan's case underscores the growing risks for journalists critical of the government, with many outlets self-censoring to avoid repercussions.

Overall, the upcoming elections in India are set against a backdrop of increasing concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in the country. Critics warn that the government's actions could have long-term implications for India's diversity and democratic values.