CPI Leader Criticizes Court Rulings Favoring Criminals While Activists Remain Imprisoned
CPI leader Annie Raja questions court decisions allowing convicted criminals to run for office while activists remain jailed.
New Delhi, October 20 (Daily Kiran) : Senior CPI leader Annie Raja has raised serious concerns regarding recent court decisions that allow a convicted murderer to contest elections while activists involved in the anti-CAA movement remain imprisoned. Speaking in New Delhi, Raja responded to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s comments, asserting that ongoing protests aim to protect the Constitution, democracy, and secularism, rather than undermine the nation.
Raja highlighted a troubling development in which a High Court granted relief to a convicted criminal, enabling him to participate in the upcoming elections. In stark contrast, activists who took to the streets to defend democratic values have not received similar leniency. “If elections and voting are so vital, why are those fighting for their preservation denied freedom?” she questioned.
She emphasized that while criminals receive relief, dissenters—who are essential to a healthy democracy—are being persecuted without any support. “This is a matter for reflection. They should be released immediately,” she stated.
Addressing Bhagwat’s remarks, Raja reiterated that the current movements across the country focus on safeguarding the Constitution. She described it as a democratic and secular framework that the Modi government is attempting to dismantle through laws like the CAA. “The public is standing against this, not to divide the country, but to protect it and its citizens,” she said.
Raja urged Bhagwat to have faith in the Constitution and the citizens of India, emphasizing the importance of democracy and secularism. She pointed out that meaningful change is occurring within the electoral process, and movements are essential for preserving the nation’s democratic fabric.
She also criticized the misuse of parliamentary power, noting how policies and laws are being enacted that undermine years of hard-fought rights for workers and citizens. “This fascist government is disrespecting democracy and secularism while abusing the Constitution and Parliament,” she concluded. It is crucial to protect the Constitution and parliamentary democracy, she asserted.
