Senior Congress leader expressed grave concern over systematic assault on India’s

K. C. Venugopal Alleges Assault on Democracy, Questions Electoral Integrity in West Bengal, and Calls for a Fight to Protect the Constitution

Senior Congress leader and AICC General Secretary (Organisation) and Member of Parliament, Shri K. C. Venugopal, today addressed a press conference in Kolkata and expressed grave concern over what he described as a systematic assault on India’s democratic institutions, electoral integrity and constitutional values.

Shri Venugopal alleged that the electoral process in West Bengal had been seriously compromised through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, under which nearly 27 lakh names were deleted from the electoral rolls on the ground of “logical discrepancy.” There are lakhs of pending cases in the tribal and he further stated that such large-scale deletions raise fundamental questions about the credibility of the electoral process and a government elected under such circumstances cannot be said to have emerged from a truly free and fair election.

Referring to the ongoing controversy surrounding financial irregularities related to the Ayodhya Ram Temple, Shri Venugopal said that millions of devotees had contributed to the temple with faith and devotion, and demanded accountability regarding the utilisation of those funds. Drawing parallels with issues previously witnessed in relation to the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, he criticised the BJP for remaining silent despite claiming to be the protector of Hinduism and religious institutions. He alleged that religion and faith were being exploited for political gain while failing to ensure transparency in matters involving public donations. He demanded that both the BJP leadership at the national level and the West Bengal BJP answer the questions being raised regarding the Ayodhya Temple funds.

Shri Venugopal also expressed serious concern over the declining credibility of public examinations in the country, particularly referring to paper leak in NEET exams. He said repeated irregularities had eroded public confidence and severely affected the aspirations of students and young people. He reiterated that the Congress Party has launched a nationwide agitation, Chhatron Ki Goonj on the issue and announced that the movement would be intensified in West Bengal as well.

Highlighting broader concerns over the state of democracy, Shri Venugopal alleged that constitutional institutions and investigative agencies were increasingly being weaponised to target Opposition parties. He made a special mention of “Gunda Domon” bill and warned that attempts to suppress dissenting voices undermine not only democracy but also the freedom of the press and the role of journalism in a democratic society.

He further criticised what he described as the BJP’s selective political approach towards leaders who join the party or the NDA after previously being targeted, calling it evidence of double standards and political opportunism.

Concluding his address, Shri Venugopal reaffirmed the Congress Party’s resolve to continue its struggle against every attempt to undermine democracy, stating that the party would continue its fight until democratic and constitutional values are fully protected.