Yogendra Yadav, president of Swaraj India party, described the move of the Centre authorising 10 agencies for interception, monitoring and decryption of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer as the “biggest onslaught on Indian Republic ever”.
He told reporters here on Saturday, “This regime is very much in the footsteps of Indira Gandhi. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi has one genuine inspiration, it is Indira Gandhi.”
Journalist’s arrest
Mr. Yadav expressed shock over a journalist being sent to jail for saying that Chief Minister is a stooge of the Prime Minister, referring to the arrest Kishorechandra Wangkhemcha for allegedly uploading videos criticising the Manipur government and the Union government.
“Emergency was one moment when our constitutional liberty was challenged. Today, we are in an Emergency-plus situation. Mr. Modi is doing everything to subvert the constitutional liberty, after understanding that his ship is sinking,” said Mr. Yadav.
When asked, whether Swaraj India will be a part of the Mahagathbandhan, Mr. Yadav said, “Ours is a small political formation. No one may come to ask for our support. But we, for whatever it is worth, will not be a part of the Mahagathbandhan. We do not see the future of this country with the Mahagathbandhan.”
He further said, “Swaraj India strongly believes that the BJP’s defeat is a must for this country, as the party’s regime under Mr. Modi is dismantling the Indian Republic.”
‘iCan’ movement
About the ‘iCan’ movement launched by Swaraj India, Mr. Yadav said it was a unique political experiment which would enable participation of “responsible and concerned citizens” in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and support candidates who represent honest and alternative politics.
“It is a campaign to bring together individual organisations and movements under one platform to fight the coming Lok Sabha polls based on issues concerning farmers and the youth. There is simmering anger among the country’s farmers and youth,” he added.
