SHIMLA - In a scathing rebuke against the Central government's move to seal the bank accounts of the Central working committee, Himachal Pradesh Congress party President Pratibha Singh and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched a blistering attack, decrying the action as a blatant assault on democratic values.
The move to freeze the bank accounts of the Congress working committee has ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic norms in the country.
Speaking at a joint press conference, CM Sukhu lambasted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, accusing it of resorting to underhanded tactics to stifle opposition voices.
"Under the BJP government, the funds collected from the public, whether through donations or memberships of Congress workers, are being targeted".
This draconian move not only undermines democratic principles but also undermines the Congress party's ability to conduct legitimate electoral campaigns," Sukhu asserted.
The Chief Minister further emphasized the unjust nature of the government's actions, stating, "It is unacceptable for the income tax department to wield its power in such a manner, especially during crucial election periods. Such oppressive measures will not deter us from our duty to serve the people."
Singh echoed Sukhu's sentiments, denouncing the BJP's actions as condemnable. "The funds collected by the public, including donations and party membership fees, are being unjustly seized. This is a blatant attempt to undermine the democratic process and weaken the opposition," she declared.
The Congress condemned what the party perceived as a deliberate attempt on the part of BJP to undermine the democratic process in Himachal Pradesh as well.
"The people of Himachal Pradesh will not stand for such blatant attempts to subvert democracy. We will continue to fight against such oppressive tactics," Sukhu affirmed.
The press conference underscored the growing tensions between the Congress party and the ruling BJP, with both sides engaging in a war of words ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Responding to the media queries on ED's arrest of the Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, CM Sukhu termed ED's action as tactic to stifle the opposition in the country and the arrest was unwarranted.
Pratibha Singh retorted to a question raising the party's criticism of the Sukhu government saying that she never criticised the CM and you are trying to put words into mouth.
