The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Senior politician Sharad Pawar has voiced serious concerns about the current state of fundamental rights in India, accusing the government of indifference towards progressive ideology. Addressing a function in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, where he unveiled the memorial of slain Leftist leader Govind Pansare, Pawar claimed that there is a misuse of power, suppression of free speech, restrictions on free writing, and blocking of news channels, indicating a disregard for attacks on fundamental rights.
The NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar chief asserted that while regressive powers are on the rise in the country, the rulers seem unconcerned about fostering a progressive ideology. He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly spending only 20 minutes in the Rajya Sabha during discussions on issues affecting the common people and policy-making sessions, terming the PM’s gesture of bowing at the Parliament’s door at the session’s start as mere theatrics.
Pawar listed several incidents to support his claim of growing intolerance, including the arrest of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the attack on organizers of the ‘Nirbhay Bano’ event in Pune, and the alleged harassment of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. He mentioned the recent attack on senior journalist Nikhil Wagle’s car en route to the same event in Pune.
According to Pawar, there is a misuse of central agencies like the ED, and different standards are applied to those who dissent and those who are genuinely corrupt. He urged a united stance against regressive powers and called for support of oppressed individuals, stating that this would be a real tribute to Pansare.
CPI leader Govind Pansare was shot by unidentified men in 2015 in Kolhapur and succumbed to his injuries four days later. Pawar also recalled the murders of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar and Kannada scholar M.M. Kalburgi, criticizing those who resort to violence to suppress progressive ideas. He emphasized that ideological battles should be fought with ideology, not violence.
CPI leader D. Raja, who also spoke at the event, underscored the importance of voting against communal forces and defeating the BJP to save India. Pawar’s statements reflect deep concerns about the current political and social environment in India, particularly regarding the protection of fundamental rights and the promotion of progressive ideologies.