Senior Congress MP K.C. Venugopal launched a scathing attack on the central government on Tuesday, raising concerns over the controversial SIR (Special Intensive Review) exercise and questioning the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Venugopal accused the ruling dispensation of stifling debate and undermining democratic institutions.
"This is a clear attack on democracy. We are demanding a discussion on the SIR exercise. We don't want SIR. The neutrality of the Election Commission has already disappeared," Venugopal said while speaking to reporters outside Parliament.
He alleged that the government was deliberately avoiding a parliamentary debate on the matter, despite growing apprehensions about the fairness and intent behind the review. "The government is not ready for a discussion at all. They agreed to a discussion on Pahalgam, and we’re ready for that next week. But this [SIR] is one of the most important issues regarding democracy."
Turning to the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on health grounds, Venugopal questioned the timing and circumstances. “Why did the Vice President resign? The government has to clarify,” he demanded, suggesting that the resignation raised more questions than answers.
