Gorakhpur (UP), Nov 4 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary on Wednesday said India cannot become Bangladesh, Nepal or Sri Lanka as the roots of its democratic system were deeply entrenched, while accusing opposition parties of trying to create instability.
Addressing an NDA rally in Gorakhpur during the ‘Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao’ (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy) march, Chaudhary, also a Union minister, alleged that opposition parties were spreading anarchy, questioning electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the Election Commission, and attempting to discredit constitutional institutions whenever they faced electoral defeats.
Referring to recent protests in Delhi, he said political parties had the right to demonstrate in a democracy, but alleged that some leaders had made provocative statements during the protests, including a claim that they had come to bring about a “regime change”.
“I want to tell them that the roots of India’s democratic system are deeply entrenched. India cannot become Bangladesh, Nepal or Sri Lanka. India runs on democracy,” Chaudhary said.
He said the BJP had organised the march to expose what he described as anti-national conspiracies and efforts to destabilise the country.
The BJP leader also accused opposition parties of blaming EVMs and electoral institutions instead of introspecting after defeats. Citing elections in several states and local bodies, he said the opposition needed to examine the reasons behind its electoral setbacks.
Referring to elections to 28 legislative council seats across the country, Chaudhary claimed that the Congress had won only one seat, despite the polls being conducted through ballot papers.
He also listed several states where the Congress, according to him, had remained out of power for decades, arguing that the party was unable to win public support.
Contrasting the country’s economic performance before and after 2014, Chaudhary said India had emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies under the Modi government, despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the government’s development agenda, guided by the slogan of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas”, had focused on welfare schemes, infrastructure development and opportunities for young people.
Claiming that more than 2.3 lakh start-ups were operating in the country, he said India’s standing in the world had improved and its voice was now heard internationally.
Citing the abrogation of Article 370, efforts to curb Naxalism, border security and welfare initiatives, Chaudhary said the government had worked towards national security and development without discrimination.
Speaking about Uttar Pradesh, he recalled the law-and-order situation before the BJP came to power in 2017 and alleged that even elected representatives had faced threats and attacks.
He said the situation had changed under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, claiming that improved law and order had encouraged investment and created a safer environment for women.
Chaudhary claimed that investment proposals worth more than Rs 50 lakh crore had been signed in Uttar Pradesh, reflecting growing investor confidence in the state.
Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he accused him of disrespecting Parliament by staging protests instead of participating in debates. He also alleged that the Congress had a history of undermining the Constitution through amendments and accused the party of spreading misinformation about the BJP’s intentions towards the Constitution.
The programme was attended by BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Chief Minister Adityanath, state BJP leaders and NDA allies, including Nishad Party chief and state minister Sanjay Nishad. PTI COR KIS DV
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