Sonowal accuses Congress its INDIA bloc partners of undermining democratic institutions

    Siliguri, Nov 5 (PTI) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday accused the Congress and other INDIA bloc constituents of attempting to undermine democratic institutions and create confusion among people following electoral defeats, and alleged that their pursuit of political power was fuelling instability in the country.

    Addressing a press conference in West Bengal's Siliguri as part of the BJP's 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' campaign, Sonowal claimed that the opposition parties were "questioning the credibility" of constitutional institutions, like the Election Commission, instead of accepting the people's mandate.

    He also targeted the Trinamool Congress, alleging that the previous Mamata Banerjee government had failed to take effective steps to check illegal immigration in West Bengal.

    The Union minister said the BJP government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was committed to addressing the issue and strengthening national security.

    Criticising the Congress and other opposition parties for their opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Sonowal said the exercise had been conducted ten times during the Congress rule.

    He said the revision was necessary to ensure that electoral rolls contain the names of genuine Indian citizens and exclude illegal immigrants.

    Sonowal alleged that the opposition was questioning the Election Commission, electronic voting machines (EVMs) and even the Supreme Court whenever it suffered electoral defeats.

    He said such criticism amounted to an attempt to undermine institutions that had strengthened India's democratic framework.

    Comparing the BJP's approach to national security with that of previous Congress governments, Sonowal said India had responded firmly to hostile aggression under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said the Indian Armed Forces had "demonstrated courage and professionalism in their response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, while the Congress and its allies remained preoccupied with criticism".

    Sonowal alleged that the Congress had failed to eradicate poverty or ensure comprehensive development despite ruling the country for nearly 60 years.

    He claimed that 50 crore people had been lifted out of poverty over the past 12 years under the Modi government.

    He also cited initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and schemes related to housing, sanitation, electricity, cooking gas, food security and rural road connectivity, saying that these programmes had improved the living standards of ordinary citizens.

    The Union minister alleged that the Congress and its allies were more concerned about protecting their political and dynastic interests than working for public welfare.

    He claimed the Congress had suffered defeats in 56 assembly elections between 2014 and 2025.

    Sonowal also criticised the opposition's recent rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, describing it as an "unsuccessful political exercise that failed to attract the public support" its organisers had expected.

    The minister said the Northeast had remained neglected during the Congress rule but had witnessed significant development under the Modi government.

    He cited the doubling of railway tracks, electrification, the announcement of bullet trains and infrastructure and connectivity projects worth around Rs 7 lakh crore.

    "The Prime Minister viewed the Northeast not merely as a geographical region but as a New Engine for India's Growth," he said.

    The minister also highlighted India's ability to navigate international geopolitical challenges and maintain energy security, asserting that the government was prepared to ensure adequate supplies of fertilisers, LPG, LNG and other essential commodities.

    He said the BJP's campaign was aimed at safeguarding democratic institutions, maintaining peace and stability and ensuring continuity in the country's development process.

    Sonowal said the vision of a developed India by 2047 would primarily benefit the younger generation by creating employment opportunities and ensuring economic empowerment.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)