External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during a press interaction in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, staunchly defended the integrity of India’s electoral process in response to comments from a United Nations official. His declaration underscores a strong belief in the democratic system upheld by the citizens of India, emphasizing that the assurance of “free and fair” elections rests confidently with the Indian populace.
The remarks from Jaishankar came as a direct rebuttal to Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who earlier commented on the necessity for India to ensure the protection of political and civil rights, facilitating an environment conducive to free and fair voting. “I don’t need the UN to tell me that our elections should be free and fair. I have the people of India. They will ensure that the elections are free and fair. So, don’t worry about it,” Jaishankar stated, highlighting the inherent strength of India’s democratic ethos.
The timing of Jaishankar’s comments is critical as India gears up for the Lok Sabha polls, set to unfold in seven phases starting April 1. The political landscape has been particularly charged, with opposition parties forming the I.N.D.I.A bloc and raising concerns over the level playing field in the elections. They have pointed to incidents such as the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the freezing of the Congress party’s bank accounts as examples of challenges facing the opposition. Additionally, suspicions about the vulnerability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to manipulation have been voiced, though the Election Commission of India has consistently refuted such claims.
In stepping forward to address these concerns, Jaishankar’s statement not only defends India’s electoral process but also takes a stand against external commentary on its internal democratic procedures. The minister’s confidence in the Indian electorate’s capacity to oversee a transparent and fair election process reflects a broader assertion of sovereignty and trust in democratic institutions.
As the nation moves closer to the polls, Jaishankar’s message resonates as a reminder of the robustness of India’s democratic traditions and the central role of its citizens in safeguarding the fairness of its electoral systems. Amidst the scrutiny from international and domestic observers, his response underscores the foundational belief in the electorate’s power to shape their future through the ballot box, free from external influences.
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