In contentious pre-election campaigns, the ruling BJP government in India stands accused of employing coercive tactics to boost its political ranks, according to reports from various media outlets.
Allegations have surfaced suggesting that BJP representatives have been strong-arming leaders from the opposition, particularly the Congress, to leave current party and join BJP ahead of the upcoming elections.
Several media reports, including those from Hindustan Times and India Today, highlight instances where Congress members have been pressured or threatened to switch allegiance to the BJP.
The Indian Directorate of Enforcement has also come under scrutiny for its role in these tactics, with allegations of raids on the residences of Congress leaders and subsequent pressure to align with the BJP. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has voiced strong opposition to these actions, condemning them as undemocratic and warning against further such acts.
The situation intensified with the recent resignation of Congress members Arvind Ladani and Tapas Roy, both amid controversy and speculation surrounding their allegiance shifts. Kejriwal, alongside other opposition figures, has pointed out these developments as indicative of a troubling trend toward state dictatorship in Indian politics.
As the country gears up for elections, the unfolding events raise concerns about the integrity of India's democratic process and the treatment of anti-BJP voices within the political landscape.
