Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday launched a fresh attack on the BJP-led Central government, alleging that recent actions against activist Sonam Wangchuk and the recognition of rebel factions in political parties reflect a systematic erosion of democracy and constitutional values.
In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party accused the government of suppressing dissent and weakening democratic institutions. The editorial focused on two recent developments — the police action against Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar and the Lok Sabha Speaker's recognition of rebel factions from the Shiv Sena and the Trinamool Congress.
Editorial criticises action against Sonam Wangchuk
The editorial alleged that Delhi Police forcibly removed Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar after midnight while he was on a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.
Describing the police action as a "cowardly night operation", the editorial claimed armed personnel entered the protest site "like thieves" to remove the activist while he was in a weakened condition.
It further compared the operation to an anti-terror exercise and alleged that the government was attempting to suppress a movement that was gaining public support.
The editorial also claimed that Wangchuk continues his protest from the intensive care unit at Safdarjung Hospital and referred to his handwritten message that read: "This is the Second Freedom Movement. A Fear-Free India, an Injustice-Free India!"
According to the editorial, the movement would continue to grow despite government action.
Questions Speaker's recognition of rebel factions
The editorial also criticised the Lok Sabha Speaker's decision to recognise rebel factions from the Shiv Sena and the Trinamool Congress.
It alleged that the recognition violated the provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, claiming that the anti-defection law does not recognise party splits.
The editorial further alleged that six MPs elected on the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s "Flaming Torch" symbol were "bought for Rs 50 crore each by the Eknath Shinde faction" before seeking a merger, which was subsequently recognised by the Speaker.
These allegations have not been substantiated, and there has been no official response from the Speaker's office or the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena regarding the claims made in the editorial.
Alleges attacks on opposition parties
The Shiv Sena (UBT) editorial alleged that the BJP-led government survives through "falsehoods, repression, and gunpoint threats" and claimed that opposition parties were being targeted through the misuse of institutional authority.
It also alleged that the actions against the Shiv Sena, Trinamool Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party reflected an attempt to suppress opposition voices through intimidation.
The editorial stated: "Under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, no form of party splitting is recognised. Still, BJP engineers splits in parties daily to build new outfits, and the Speaker continues to legitimise these traitorous groups. This ongoing destruction of freedom, democracy, and the Constitution by the Modi government must now be exposed on the global stage."
Calls for international attention
The editorial urged that the government's alleged actions relating to democracy and constitutional institutions should be brought before the international community.
It concluded by stating: "Just as there is no forgiveness for the thieves of the Ram Temple, there will be no forgiveness for those who legitimise traitors."
The BJP and the Central government have not immediately responded to the allegations made in the Saamana editorial.
(With inputs from IANS)
* This article was originally published here
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