Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 11: Congress MP Ajay Maken delivered a sharp critique in the Rajya Sabha, questioning whether India genuinely upholds its claim of being the “mother of democracy.” He argued that recent events offer troubling signs that democratic values are not being practiced in spirit, and highlighted three pillars he believes are essential for any functioning democracy: fairness, transparency, and credibility.
Drawing on his experience as the Congress party’s Treasurer, Maken said his review of financial records after elections revealed stark disparities. He claimed that the bank balances of certain political rivals rose dramatically after 2014, creating an uneven playing field. He further alleged that Congress accounts were frozen just before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and released only after the results, a move he said violated the principle of equal competition. “How can there be a level playing field in such conditions?” he asked.
On transparency, Maken pointed to conflicting voter turnout figures from Haryana, suggesting that the shifting numbers raised concerns about the accuracy of data provided by the Election Commission. He criticised recent changes that limit access to CCTV footage from polling stations, arguing that such restrictions chip away at public confidence. “If everything is above board, why shield officials from scrutiny?” he questioned.
Addressing credibility, Maken accused authorities of selectively applying the model code of conduct. He said welfare-related promises by Opposition parties were labelled as inducements, while similar assurances from the ruling party faced no such objections — a bias he argued undermines trust in the electoral process.
Maken concluded with a warning that altering laws will not extinguish public sentiment. “You may change the rules, but you cannot silence the people’s voice,” he said, urging lawmakers to honestly assess whether the country’s institutions are functioning as intended. His remarks added to the increasingly heated debate in Parliament over electoral fairness and democratic accountability.