The United Nations, joining the wave of international concern, has urged India to ensure "fair, transparent, and timely action" following the arrest of New Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ahead of elections.
The UN Secretary General's spokesperson emphasized the importance of upholding justice and safeguarding the rights of all citizens, particularly political figures, in a statement.
In a related development, the Aam Aadmi Party's office was reportedly sealed following Kejriwal's arrest, heightening tensions amidst accusations of governmental suppression of dissent.
The Modi government's alleged crackdown on voices critical of corruption has drawn criticism from Indian analysts, who also highlight instances of purported electoral irregularities favoring the ruling BJP.
Amidst the political turmoil, a former accuser of Kejriwal has purportedly joined the BJP, further complicating the narrative. Analysts point to allegations of illegal funding amounting to crores of rupees directed towards the BJP, while the Congress party faces its own financial scrutiny with notices issued by the Enforcement Directorate.
The Modi government's actions, including the imposition of fines and freezing of accounts, have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, with opposition parties decrying perceived attempts to stifle dissent and manipulate outcomes.
Calls for international scrutiny of India's pre-election landscape underscore broader apprehensions about the state of democracy and transparency within the country, prompting appeals for solidarity from global stakeholders.
