Introduction
As the Lok Sabha elections unfolded, opposition parties were busy stoking tensions with warnings of potential violence and social upheaval if the BJP secures a third term. In recent weeks, prominent politicians have cast doubt on the election's fairness, employing inflammatory language at polling stations and forewarning of ominous consequences.
The first Opposition meeting was held in Patna on June 23, 2023. (Photo: India Today)
India's Democratic Odyssey: 78 Days of Electoral Triumph Amidst Challenges
For 78 days, under the scorching sun, India witnessed the spectacle of democracy in action, as its citizens embarked on the monumental task of electing their national government. Across the vast expanse of the nation, from bustling cities to remote villages, people of all ages and backgrounds, brimming with varying degrees of enthusiasm, made their way to polling booths. Some endured long queues under the relentless heat, while others traversed treacherous terrain, scaling Himalayan heights or navigating through regions marred by conflict and strife, such as Chhattisgarh or ethnically-charged Manipur. Despite the adversities, their unwavering resolve to participate in the democratic process stood as a testament to the resilience and spirit of India's electorate.
Pappu Yadav Calls for Sacrifice: Rallying Workers to Defend Indian Democracy
Independent candidate Pappu Yadav from Purnea, Bihar, called on all workers to arrive at the counting centres prepared with "kafan" and willing to sacrifice their lives to defend democracy on the day of the vote counting. He raised concerns about the sequence of counting, questioning why postal ballots are counted after EVMs.
Formerly associated with Congress, Yadav urged all candidates and workers from the INDIA bloc not to leave the counting centers without signing off on the postal ballot count. He warned election officials to ensure transparency in the counting process, threatening that his workers are prepared to take extreme measures to protect democracy.
Pappu Yadav’s Comments
“Agar zabardasti loktantra ki maut hogi, toh Mahabharata ka sangram hoga (If democracy is killed forcefully, a fight like the Mahabharata will commence). To save democracy every worker in Purnea and Bihar should come ready to die tomorrow. Kafan bandh ke aaye (come with your shrouds). Har maathe pe kafan ho (May all of you come with shrouds over your head),” Yadav said in a press conference on Monday.
“Isn’t it a way of betraying (voters)? Why are counting of postal ballots not being done in the beginning? Why is it being done later? I would love to appeal to all INDIA bloc candidates and workers to sign after counting of postal ballots. Regardless of when they announce, do not leave without signing the count of postal ballots,” Yadav said.
“We want to cooperate with the Collector and all officials here. Keep the counting transparent, otherwise ‘marta kya na karta’ (Will do anything out of desperation),” the former Congress leader said.
Speaking about how he has been preparing for the counting of votes, Yadav said, “For the last three days, we have been asking our workers here to keep Form 17C, EVM number ready. The country’s top psephologists have come here, at 7 pm I have a meeting…”
Congress leader Manish Tewari says people’s mandate should be respected
Ahead of the counting of votes, Congress MP and party candidate from Chandigarh, Manish Tewari, expressed his willingness to "respect" the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections, praising the democratic system's ability to withstand various outcomes. However, this statement comes after a controversial social media post on Monday night, which has raised concerns.
Tewari's post eulogized Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister responsible for millions of Indian deaths during World War II. The post has sparked widespread criticism, as it appears to be a deviation from the party's commitment to respecting the democratic process. Many Congress leaders and alliance partners have made similar statements, suggesting they may not accept the election results unless they win.
The post has also triggered a wave of outrage among users on social media, who are questioning why an Indian politician is paying tribute to a British colonialist known for his hatred towards Indians. The controversy has raised concerns about the potential for election-related violence and chaos, as some leaders have been encouraging their supporters to be prepared for unrest if the results don't go in their favor.
The timing of Tewari's post, just before the election results are announced, has sparked concerns about the potential for disruption and instability on counting day across the country.
Tejashwi Yadav praised a Samajwadi party leader for threatening to kill the Collector
Tejashwi Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) lauded Sanatan Pandey, a leader of the Samajwadi Party, for making a controversial statement in which he threatened to kill the Collector.
Pandey had threatened in April this year, “If any mischief occurs during counting, then, either mine or the deady body of the Collector would be ready.”
RJD’s statement
RJD had praised the murderous statement and tweeted on Monday, “Let the spirit of the socialists thrive.” The Congress party and its leaders also did not shy away from making provocative statements, which potentially could disturb the law and order situation in the country.
BJP’s Reaction
In a tweet, BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya pointed out, “Congress party’s instruction to its workers reads like a manual to riot…There is absolutely no merit in asking people to assembly in state and district offices because counting happens in a designated secure zone for each Lok Sabha, unless the idea is to unleash mobs and disrupt the process.”
Congress leaders Accusations and Comments
Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also took advantage of the opportunity to hint at issues with Indian democracy.
“The last decade has witnessed a systemic pattern to assault, undermine and suppress our autonomous institutions by the ruling party. India’s Democratic ethos are being consequently damaged. There is a widespread tendency to turn India into a regimental dictatorship. We are increasingly seeing some institutions shedding their independence and brazenly following the diktats of the ruling party. Some have completely adopted their style of communication, their way of functioning, and in some cases even their political rhetoric. It is not their fault. With brute power, threat, coercive mechanisms and misuse of agencies, this tendency to bow to the powers that have become a way for their short-term survival. Even though, in this denigration, India’s Constitution and Democracy have become a casualty,” he tweeted.
Bhupesh Baghel
Bhupesh Baghel, the previous Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, shared false information about a discrepancy in EVMs, which posed a potential threat.
He alleged, “The Election Commission had given the numbers of the machines used in the elections. This includes ballot unit, control unit and VVPAT. According to the information given in Form 17C after the voting in my constituency Rajnandgaon, the numbers of many machines have changed. The booths where the numbers have been changed affect thousands of votes. Similar complaints have been received from many other Lok Sabha constituencies. We are complaining to the State Election Officer. @ECISVEEP should answer under what circumstances the machines were changed and who will be responsible for any impact on the election result? The list of changed numbers is very long but a short list is enclosed for your perusal.”
Digvijaya Singh
Digvijaya Singh, a seasoned Congress leader, has also expressed skepticism regarding the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines.
He was heard saying, “If BJP wins over 300 seats, it’s due to EVMs, not the people’s choice. The actual people’s mandate would give the INDIA alliance 295 seats.”
Devendra Yadav
Devendra Yadav, another Congress leader, also raised doubts about the Election Commission's impartiality and criticized its decision-making process.
“On May 28, I had made a written complaint to the Election Commission seeking clarity in this matter so that before the counting of votes, it is clear whether this is a typing error or the machines have been tampered with. Counting is to take place tomorrow but I have not received any reply so I am placing the matter before you now,” he claimed.
Akhilesh Yadav
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, while singing the patriotic song 'Rang De Basanti Chola,' emphasized that the youth of the nation are willing to lay down their lives for their country and are carrying coffins on their heads.
Samajwadi party supremo Akhilesh Yadav warned on Monday (3rd June), “Janta Balidaan Dene Ke Liye Taiyaar Hai… Yuva Sar Par Kafan Baandh Raha Hai, Aur Keh Raha Hai- Rang De Basanti Chola.”
AAP’s Comment
AAP seized on the opportunity and targeted the Election Commission of India. “These pictures coming from the EVM strong room in Haryana’s Kaithal assembly are telling what condition these people have brought democracy to The Election Commission, which had the responsibility of properly conducting the Lok Sabha elections, called the festival of democracy, is busy in entertainment instead of fulfilling its responsibilities,” the Haryana unit of the party tweeted.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh
AAP leader Sanjay Singh also alleged, “If everything is fine then why is the Election Commission issuing new guidelines every day? We have to go to them. The EC comes to give clarifications but is not ready to work. The Election Commission is formed to work for the people. It is accountable and will have to answer questions. The EC did not issue any notice against the language used by the Prime Minister during the elections.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut
“People have a lot of doubts about the Election Commission. The Election Commission is an impartial institution but the way the opposition parties have to repeatedly go and fold their hands in front of the Election Commission and bring up certain issues, the Election Commission turns a deaf ear to it. These are not the signs of an impartial institution. The Prime Minister sits in meditation on the day of the election and the entire focus of the channels is on him. This is a kind of violation of the code of conduct… The Election Commission is working like a branch of the BJP,” he was heard saying.
Some Other Personalities and Organizations Inciting Chaos
The Khalistani terror group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) also demanded a "lockdown" of India's High Commission in Ottawa and its consulates in Vancouver and Toronto in Canada on the 40th anniversary of Operation Bluestar on June 6. The threat was made by SFJ terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in a video.
On May 2, controversial 'activist' Teesta Setalvad called for a 'peaceful gathering' of people outside counting centers to ensure transparency. However, due to her history of spreading rumors, such gatherings outside counting centers could lead to unrest and lawlessness.
Congress-friendly 'journalist' Neelu Vyas also warned of a potential mass uprising while alleging 'vote rigging' in elections. Earlier, former Congress MP Kapil Sibal suggested the possibility of EVM tampering with a checklist, which was quickly refuted by the Election Commission.
Despite insinuations and threats from politicians of various parties, a report by The Tribune claimed that there could be a gathering of 'farmer protestors' at the Shambhu border. It is concerning to see that opposition politicians are exacerbating tensions and inciting the public over the prospect of their electoral defeat, rather than promoting peace and stability.
Conclusion
As the nation awaited the election results with bated breath, a concerning trend emerged as politicians from the Opposition actively stoked tensions and incited the masses amid the prospect of their potential defeat in the elections. Rather than advocating for peace and order, these leaders were observed engaging in actions that exacerbated the situation, fueling unrest and disrupting law and order. This behavior, contrary to the expected conduct in a democratic process, raised alarms about the integrity of the electoral process and the need for responsible leadership to ensure the maintenance of peace and stability.
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