India, the world’s largest democracy, is facing an uncomfortable question about the conduct of its ruling political establishment.
In the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which governs the state, is using force to stop candidates of its political opposition, the #YSR Congress Party, from contesting municipal elections. #TDP leaders and cadres have snatched and torn opposition nomination papers, preventing candidates from entering the electoral contest.
The Supreme Court of India has intervened, and the state election authority has halted the election process across 100 urban local bodies.
The national dimension matters: TDP is a key partner in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in New Delhi.
India’s democratic credibility cannot rest on the size of its electorate alone. It must also rest on whether opposition candidates are free to contest elections without intimidation, even when those responsible belong to a party allied with the national government.
Democracy begins with the right to contest, it is important that India preserves this right.
@PMOIndia@JaiTDP@YSRCParty@ncbn@ysjagan@AmitShah