Modi’s rule posing greater danger to democracy than Emergency, alleges CPI(M) leader Raghavulu 

CPI(M) Polit Bureau member B.V. Raghavulu addressing the media in Vijayawada on Tuesday. Party leader U. Vasuki is seen. | Photo Credit: K.V.S. GIRI

CPI(M) Polit Bureau member B.V. Raghavulu has alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule is posing a greater danger to democracy and secularism than the Emergency imposed five decades ago.

Addressing the media in Vijayawada on Tuesday, Mr. Raghavulu said the current political climate reflected an “undeclared Emergency,” where voice of dissent was stifled and foreign policy was driven by external influence, particularly the United States.

The CPI(M) would launch a campaign to educate the public about the dangers of authoritarianism, especially as June 25 marked 50 years since the declaration of Emergency in 1975.

“We must remember that CPI(M) and other parties fought tooth and nail against the Emergency. Today, the threat is even more insidious and demands united resistance,” he said.

Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Mr. Raghavulu alleged that the Modi government was inciting war hysteria instead of seeking peaceful, democratic solution to terrorism and international tensions.

“The Centre is withholding facts from the public. It is silent over U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that he mediated between India and Pakistan to prevent a war,” he alleged, adding that the Centre did not heed the demand to convene a special parliamentary session to bring the facts to light. The Central government was becoming subservient to Mr. Trump, he alleged.

Israel’s attack on Iran

On Israel’s attack on Iran, Mr. Raghavulu criticised the Modi government’s “muted response.” “Despite India’s deep economic ties with Iran, including crude oil imports and port construction, our government refuses to condemn Israel’s actions. Instead, it supports them. This is morally and strategically indefensible,” the CPI(M) leader asserted, warning that such actions could escalate oil prices and harm India’s economy.

“All democratic forces should come together to safeguard secularism, federalism, and constitutional values from the emerging fascist forces in the guise of governance,” he added.

CPI(M) leader U. Vasuki and State Secretariat member Y. Venkateswara Rao were present.

Published - June 17, 2025 08:16 pm IST