Santosh S Lad Slams Centre Over Heavy Delhi Security and Suppression of Democratic Dissent

Political Bureau, Bangalore Mail

BENGALURU:

Stepping up its political offensive against the BJP-led central government, the Congress party and the INDIA alliance are gearing up for massive nationwide demonstrations under the leadership of Shri Rahul Gandhi. Addressing the media in the state, Karnataka Labour Minister Shri Santosh S Lad launched a scathing attack on the ruling dispensation, strongly condemning the systematic misuse of state power, central institutions, and administrative machinery.

Minister Lad pointed to major points of public and political concern driving the current agitation, highlighting the controversial operations surrounding the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) election process and the heavy-handed approach adopted against peaceful democratic voices. Pointing out the deployment of massive security infrastructure—including tens of thousands of personnel from the CRPF, paramilitary units, and local police forces across Delhi—he questioned why a ruling government feels profoundly threatened by peaceful demonstrations.

“Over tens of thousands of security personnel are deployed, and yet leaders and ordinary citizens are targeted. Every citizen and youth aged 18, 19, or 20 has the fundamental democratic right to raise questions and stage peaceful protests. When peaceful demonstrators are met with police force and lathis, democracy itself is put in peril,” Minister Lad stated.

The senior minister further critiqued the central government’s governance track record, noting that India has witnessed continuous slides across vital international parameters, including key freedom, health, and pollution indices. Reaffirming the party’s unwavering resolve, Minister Lad declared that the Congress party, under the leadership of Shri Rahul Gandhi, will fiercely fight against the current suppression of rights tooth and nail.