BJP veteran L K Advani's statement that “Forces that can crush democracy are stronger” has created a buzz in political circles, leading to notions that the statement was aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“At the present point of time, the forces that can crush democracy, notwithstanding the constitutional and legal safeguards, are stronger,” he said in a recent interview. “I don't think anything has been done that gives the assurance that civil liberties will not be suspended or destroyed again. Not at all.”
“Of course, one can do it easily...But that it cannot happen again -I will not say that. It could be that fundamental liberties are curtailed again,” the former Deputy Prime Minister, who is now a member of the BJP's Margdarshak Mandal said.
He also said he did not see any sign in the current polity that assures an outstanding aspect of leadership with a commitment to democracy and other aspects related to it. “Today, I do not say that the political leadership is not mature. I don't have faith because of its weaknesses. I don't have the confidence that it cannot happen again.”
BJP spokesperson M J Akbar felt it was not aimed at individuals but at institutions. "I think Advanji was referring to institutions rather than to individuals. I respect his views, but I personally don't see emergency, any chance of any emergency being reimposed in the country. I think that age is over, Indian democracy is too strong, much stronger now," he said. Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan supported Advani's comments and confirmed he was pointing out an emergency-like situation. “It is obvious whom he is talking about, whose government is there, who is the Prime Minister. He knows it. But he is a statesman-like leader of the BJP. He did not want to name the Prime Minister. But whoever reads the interview would understand whom he is talking about,” he said.
AAP leader, Ashutosh said, “He clearly visualises that the leadership of Modi and the government of BJP are every day crushing Indian democracy and creating a situation and ambience where emergency is not far.” While the RSS has dismissed the speculations, the Congress and other Opposition parties have shared their concerns over the matter.
