Opposition leaders write to PM Modi over alleged misuse of central agencies
New Delhi: Eight opposition parties have written a joint letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleging the misuse of central investigation agencies to target them. The letter was sent amid the ongoing political controversy over the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia.
The letter, signed by Chief Ministers K Chandrashekar Rao, Mamata Banerjee, Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, among others, alleges that India is "transitioning from being a democracy to an autocracy" due to the "blatant misuse of central agencies against the members of the opposition." Notably, the Congress party chose to stay away from the letter.
The leaders also raised concerns about the role of governors in the country, alleging that they are violating constitutional provisions and obstructing the governance of the state. They pointed out the example of governors in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Punjab, Telangana and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
The joint letter concluded by stating that in a democracy, the mandate given by the people should be respected, even if it is in favor of a party with an ideology contrary to that of the ruling party.
