Maharashtra Chief Minister targets Rahul Gandhi over emergency history and China links

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accused Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of hypocrisy regarding constitutional safeguards while addressing a Mahayuti rally in Thane on Sunday. Fadnavis recalled the 1975 Emergency period when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi amended the Constitution to curtail Supreme Court powers and fundamental rights. He stated that the Janata Party government later restored those powers in 1977, and claimed that Rahul Gandhi is repeating history by undermining democratic institutions today.

Protests and Electoral Rolls

Fadnavis defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which the opposition has been protesting against alongside Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He challenged Congress over opposing the removal of names of 2.5 crore deceased voters and alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators. He noted that the SIR exercise took place eight times during Congress rule, and added that political parties can now appoint booth-level agents to flag errors. The Mahayuti alliance held a 'Save Democracy' foot march in Thane to counter an opposition rally in Delhi, with leaders from the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena participating alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav.

Foreign Funding Allegations

Fadnavis further alleged that Congress and Rahul Gandhi are part of a foreign-funded conspiracy, pointing to donations received from China. He claimed that this foreign money fuels protests and social media campaigns to create political anarchy and bring an ultra-leftist or communist regime to India. Referring to recent political changes in neighboring nations like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, he warned that similar plots are being pursued domestically to alter constitutional systems.

Context

Political parties in India frequently hold counter-rallies and press conferences to shape public opinion during active disputes over electoral rolls and governance. Major political alliances often reference historical events like the Emergency when debating the protection of constitutional bodies and democratic norms.