Amidst growing international concern, the United Nations has urged India to ensure fairness, transparency, and timeliness in response to the arrest of New Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ahead of elections.
The UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson stressed the importance of upholding justice and protecting the rights of all citizens, especially political figures, in a statement issued on the matter.
In a related development, reports emerged that the office of the Aam Aadmi Party was sealed following Kejriwal’s arrest, leading to heightened tensions amid accusations of government suppression of dissent.
Criticism has mounted against the Modi government, with allegations of a crackdown on voices critical of corruption and concerns raised about electoral irregularities favoring the ruling BJP, as highlighted by Indian analysts.
The situation has been further complicated by a former accuser of Kejriwal reportedly joining the BJP, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative. Analysts have pointed to accusations of illegal funding directed towards the BJP, while the Congress party faces scrutiny over financial matters with notices issued by the Enforcement Directorate.
The actions taken by the Modi government, such as imposing fines and freezing accounts, have sparked worries about the integrity of the electoral process. Opposition parties have denounced perceived efforts to suppress dissent and manipulate election outcomes.
The call for international scrutiny of India’s pre-election landscape reflects broader concerns about democracy and transparency within the country, prompting appeals for solidarity from global stakeholders.