NEW DELHI: Amidst the atmosphere of pre-election campaigns in India, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) finds itself involved in controversy as allegations of coercive tactics surface, casting a shadow over the country’s political landscape and the authenticity of the electoral process.
Reports from various media outlets have highlighted the alleged efforts by BJP representatives to coerce leaders from opposition parties, particularly the Congress, into defecting and joining their ranks ahead of the upcoming elections.
Multiple media reports, including those from Hindustan Times and India Today, have documented instances where Congress members claim to have faced pressure or threats to switch allegiance to the BJP, raising concerns about the integrity of India’s electoral process.
India Elections: BJP’s Coercive Tactics
The Indian Directorate of Enforcement has also come under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in these tactics, with accusations of raids on the residences of Congress leaders and subsequent pressure to align with the BJP. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been vocal in his opposition to these actions, denouncing them as undemocratic and warning against further encroachments on democratic norms.
Tensions escalated with the recent resignations of Congress members Arvind Ladani and Tapas Roy, amidst speculation and controversy surrounding their shifts in allegiance. Kejriwal, alongside other opposition figures, has highlighted these developments as indicative of a concerning trend towards authoritarianism within Indian politics.
