Congress chief Kharge says Modi government has silenced India's democracy

In a social-media statement, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the Modi administration for converting the "mother of democracy" into a "muzzled democracy", alleging that students, lawyers, journalists and activists are being repeatedly detained. He described the BJP-RSS as cowardly and vowed that the Congress and allied opposition will battle the regime "tooth and nail". Kharge emphasized that India's youth have historically shaped the nation and that the party will defend the constitution and fundamental rights.

His remarks coincided with a police operation in Delhi that arrested more than 500 people attempting to gather at Jantar Mantar for a Cockroach Janta Party demonstration against the chief election commissioner over alleged voter-list manipulation. Authorities deployed drones and refused the rally permit, citing security concerns. The episode underscores rising tensions between the government and dissenting groups.