India News | Congress' Kumari Selja Accuses BJP Government of Undermining Democracy, Seeks Fair Probe into Ankita Bhandari Case

New Delhi [India], October 19 (ANI): Congress leader and AICC General Secretary Kumari Selja criticised the BJP-led government over alleged attacks on democracy, the handling of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and the investigation into the Ankita Bhandari murder case in Uttarakhand. Addressing a press conference, she accused the government of restricting peaceful protests and demanded accountability in cases involving alleged misconduct.

Speaking about the opposition's protest against the SIR process, Selja said Rahul Gandhi had raised concerns about the state of democracy in the country. She claimed that two Election Commissioners had also raised objections regarding the procedure followed during the exercise.

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“This is a dictator government. INDIA bloc leaders and civil society members protested against it, but we failed to reach the ECI office. Only 10 leaders met the President of India. It was a non-violent protest, but this government turned Delhi into a fortress,” Selja said.

She also raised questions over the Ankita Bhandari murder case, alleging that the BJP government had failed to ensure a fair investigation. Referring to the appointment of a Governor in Sikkim, she claimed that the individual concerned had been linked to a major controversy and questioned the government's decision.

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Selja asked why the BJP government was allegedly protecting Dushyant Gautam and accused it of failing to provide justice to Ankita Bhandari's family. She also alleged that members of the victim's family had been detained instead of receiving adequate support.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal also criticised the handling of the case, challenging claims that the accused had already been punished.

“Action has been taken only on the small fish. This is an attack on the self-respect of Uttarakhand people. Let them explain why the CBI didn't enquire who that VIP was,” Godiyal said.

He argued that questions surrounding the alleged involvement of a VIP remained unanswered and called for clarity regarding the investigation.

Selja also addressed the return of Ram Sharan Nautiyal to the Congress party, stating that he had been associated with the party for a long time before leaving for personal reasons. She said he had subsequently felt uncomfortable elsewhere and decided to return.

The Congress leaders' remarks reflect the party's demand for accountability from the BJP government on democratic rights and the investigation into the Ankita Bhandari case. (ANI)

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