The Congress on Monday condemned the invocation of the anti-terror law UAPA against journalists, apart from the misuse of central agencies to harass political opponents and critics, declaring that such attacks will escalate as the 2024 parliamentary elections come closer.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) adopted a resolution which condemned “the Modi Government’s raids on dozens of journalists and writers, and the invocation of anti-terror laws”.

The resolution said the conspiracy theories floated by the government only expose “its own monumental hypocrisy in accepting donations from Chinese companies to PMCares Fund and investments from China’s government-owned companies, its inability to control the zooming imports from China, and worst of all the Prime Minister’s clean chit to China when he denied all Chinese transgressions at our border.”

The CWC also said: “The Modi Government has escalated the misuse of the law and the unleashing of central agencies against those who ask questions and oppose the Government’s actions, including the leaders of the Opposition parties across the country. Such coercive and illegal action cripples the free press, hinders the fundamental rights of citizens, journalists and politicians to hold the Government accountable, and lowers India’s standing in the world as a democracy”.

Taking note of the BJP’s depiction of Rahul Gandhi as Ravana, the CWC said: “The Prime Minister and the BJP have degraded the political discourse to such a level that official posters are being made to incite and provoke violence against former Congress president, similar to the one commissioned by Nathuram Godse against Mahatma Gandhi and senior Congress leaders of the freedom movement.”

On Manipur, the party said: “The CWC expresses its deep anguish on the collapse of constitutional government and the continuing humanitarian tragedy in Manipur. Even after more than five months, the Prime Minister has totally abandoned the people of Manipur and abdicated his constitutional responsibilities. Violent incidents have increased with numerous instances of vigilantism and threats by armed mobs. The Government has completely failed in its duty to maintain public order and bridge the divisions between the communities. The constitutional machinery in Manipur has broken down. The CWC reiterates its previous demand for the immediate removal of the Chief Minister and imposition of President’s Rule as the first step in resolving the unprecedented crisis.”

The CWC expressed its dismay and anguish on the war that has broken out in the Middle East where over a thousand people have been killed in the last two days. It reiterated its long-standing support for the rights of the Palestianian people to land, self-government and to live with dignity and respect.

Addressing the CWC, party president Mallikarjun Kharge said: “We are also witnessing a new trend of people on high constitutional positions indulging in political commentary and taking partisan stands.”

Vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar has been repeatedly praising the Prime Minister and deriding the Opposition parties. His frequent visits to Rajasthan, where he made political speeches, had prompted chief minister Ashok Gehlot to raise objection.

Reacting to the announcement of election dates for assembly elections, Kharge tweeted: “This is a declaration of BJP’s exit. The Congress will go to the people with strength and conviction in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram. The Congress guarantees public welfare, social justice and progressive development.”