Srinagar, Apr 23 (KNO): Rajasthan Youth Affairs Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Thursday criticised alleged incidents of violence and voter intimidation during elections in West Bengal, asserting that democracy cannot function where citizens are forced to abandon or surrender their right to vote.
Speaking with reporters here on the sidelines of a function, Rathore, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said a free and fair electoral environment is essential for any democracy and ensuring such conditions is the responsibility not only of the Election Commission but of society as a whole.
"Voters being forced to leave or forgo their right to vote under any circumstances is not a strong sign of democracy. The ability to contest with free will must be granted to voters," he said.
The minister referred to reports from West Bengal and alleged that workers of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) were patrolling outside residential areas and intimidating citizens to prevent them from casting votes. He said such practices undermine the democratic process and called for political competition through dialogue, debate, and transparency rather than fear and coercion.
Rathore further said the Election Commission had to intervene and direct the deployment of Central security forces in parts of West Bengal to ensure that people could vote safely.
Commenting on the longevity of governments in power, the minister said there was nothing wrong with any party ruling for multiple terms if it continued to receive the people's mandate through free and fair elections. However, he alleged that if power is retained by suppressing voter turnout through intimidation and fear, such governance cannot be considered democratic.
Reacting to remarks by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rathore said the level of political discourse in the country was deteriorating. He said such language was unexpected from a senior leader of Kharge's stature and age.
"A party's national president, an almost 80-year-old senior… this was not expected of him. Congress is so disappointed and frustrated," Rathore said. He termed the alleged remark an insult not only to the Prime Minister but also to crores of Indians who elected Modi as their leader. "Prime Minister Modi represents India globally, and personal attacks of such nature diminish the dignity of democratic debate," he said.
The BJP minister also referred to reports that the Election Commission had sought clarification within 48 hours over the matter and said that if the comment was made in error, an apology should follow.
Asked about the reported seizure of India-bound ships by Iran, Rathore said the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of External Affairs. He, however, praised India's diplomatic outreach and said the country's leadership had previously acted effectively to safeguard Indian vessels and citizens abroad.
"Conflicts across the world were affecting supply chains and global trade due to increasing international interdependence. Despite such challenges, India's economy remained resilient, and its GDP growth continued to remain strong," he said.
Rathore expressed hope for an end to ongoing international conflicts and said the world should move toward peace, stability, and prosperity—(KNO)