Hyderabad: N Uttam Kumar Reddy, the Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for suppressing democracy in India. He expressed his disapproval of the BJP government’s recent passage of four controversial bills related to election commissioner selection and criminal laws. Reddy condemned the security breach in Parliament and the suspension of opposition MPs who demanded a statement from Amit Shah. He highlighted the BJP’s control over the selection process of the Chief Election Commissioner, which raises concerns about the independence of the Election Commission. Reddy also expressed concerns about three additional criminal law bills that propose draconian provisions and could turn India into a totalitarian police state. He warned that the continuation of democracy in India would be at risk if the BJP is re-elected.
Uttam Kumar Reddy attended review meetings on various departments in Huzurnagar and spoke to the media afterward. He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for suppressing democracy in India. Reddy disapproved of the BJP government’s recent passage of four controversial bills without the presence of the entire opposition. He condemned the security breach in Parliament and the subsequent suspension of opposition MPs who demanded a statement from Amit Shah.
Reddy highlighted the BJP’s control over the selection process of the Chief Election Commissioner, which goes against the Supreme Court’s recommendation of a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Chief Justice of India. He expressed concerns about the potential compromise of the Election Commission’s independence due to this ruling-party selection committee.
Reddy also raised concerns about three additional criminal law bills that propose draconian provisions. These bills aim to replace the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence Act with new versions. Reddy warned that increasing police custody from 15 days to 90 days could lead to rampant police torture and that crucial safeguards like mandatory medical examinations and details of arrest could be removed.
In conclusion, Reddy warned that the continuation of democracy in India would be at risk if the BJP is re-elected. He urged people to understand the potential threats posed by these controversial bills and the BJP’s control over crucial aspects of the democratic system.
