MARGAO
Speaking at an event organized by the Alliance for Justice and Harmony at Holy Spirit Church hall in Margao, human rights activist Fr Cedric Prakash SJ raised serious allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) manipulation following the recent Lok Sabha elections. He accused the BJP of resorting to unethical tactics to secure victories, despite lacking a clear mandate.
Fr Prakash emphasized that nearly 140 Lok Sabha seats showed signs of irregularities such as manipulated EVMs, improper counting procedures, and delayed counting of postal ballots. He highlighted that civil society organizations are actively addressing these concerns with the Election Commission of India and the Supreme Court.
Regarding the broader political landscape, Fr Prakash expressed concerns over the BJP's governance, citing instances of alleged coercion and legal actions against dissenters. He pointed out recent cases involving author Arundhati Roy and environmentalist Medha Patkar, questioning whether the government's approach will stifle dissent and intimidate activists and journalists.
Fr Prakash criticized the BJP for depending on alliance partners like JD-U and TDP to sustain its rule, despite ethical and legal controversies surrounding these partnerships. He warned that the BJP, led by Narendra Modi, possesses the financial and political leverage to influence and manipulate opposition parties and blocs.
Highlighting the national issues, Fr Prakash underscored that the country's challenges extend beyond religious tensions to encompass threats to democracy, constitutional rights, and the welfare of marginalized communities. He also criticized the Manipur government for allegedly supporting radicalized factions targeting ethnic minorities in the North East, portraying it as part of a broader strategy to consolidate power in the region.
As the country navigates through post-election uncertainties, Fr Cedric Prakash urged vigilance from citizens and robust action from civil society to safeguard democratic principles and uphold justice for all.
