The Congress party on Sunday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Government at the Centre has imposed an 'undeclared' emergency in the country.
Addressing a press conference in Samba after Bharat Jodo Yatra was halted for the day after completing 21km, the Congress general secretary and in-charge communication Jairam Ramesh alleged, "the BJP has ended the spirit of democracy in the country. Though elections are taking place but that does not mean we are democratic".
“An undeclared emergency is more dangerous than a declared emergency", he added.
Asked about the party’s stand on now abrogated Article 370 of the constitution, the Congress leader said, “It is a serious issue, but what is more serious right now is the restoration of democratic activities in Jammu and Kashmir.”
“J&K has become an attached office of the Ministry of Home Affairs. There are real issues like when the assembly elections will be held in the Union territory and how will it get back to full statehood,” he added. When quizzed Ramesh said,“We will talk about Article 370 and alliance with PAGD separately. Bharat Jodo Yatra is to unite the country against communal polarisation, political dictatorship, and undeclared emergency.”
Ramesh said they are pleased with the response to the yatra and a large number of people are joining it, though police tried to stop some from joining. Referring to the prevailing situation in and around Jammu in the aftermath of twin blasts in Narwal the Congress leader said “There will be no compromise on the security of Gandhi. His security is our topmost priority and we are following the guidelines of security agencies in totality".
He said the party’s stand is clear on terrorism and that there is no compromise in dealing with either the perpetrators or sponsors of terrorism.
Referring to the recent comments made by the Chairman of Democratic Azad Party on Bharat Jodo Yatra, Jairam Ramesh said, "Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM, Aam Aadmi Party and Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Democratic Azad Party are three B-teams of BJP in the country". Ghulam Nabi Azad is hassled. His party has not been registered. All his party members have returned to Congress after their leave of absence finished. He is restricted to Doda (district). It has become the Doda Azad party".