Senior CPI(M) leader and Politburo coordinator, Prakash Karat, expressed strong opposition to foreign funding in India’s democratic system, calling for an immediate ban on such interventions.
Speaking at the 13th state conference of the party in Jammu and Kashmir, Karat stated, “We do not want foreign organizations interfering in our democratic processes. This should be banned immediately.”
His remarks came in response to the announcement by the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by billionaire Elon Musk, which included a $21 million allocation for “voter turnout in India.”
Karat also criticized the BJP-led Central government for its failure to address the mistreatment of Indian citizens being deported from the United States. He referred to recent images showing Indians being handcuffed and humiliated during deportation, calling it “unfortunate” and “unacceptable.”
He added, “Prime Minister Modi should have raised this issue with US President Donald Trump during his recent visit. After Modi’s visit, two more planes returned from the US, and the same treatment was meted out. These are our citizens, not criminals, and they do not deserve such treatment.”
Karat emphasized the government’s inaction on the matter, saying, “The BJP-led government should have taken a firm stand. We will raise this issue forcefully.”
In response to questions about the recent stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh and at Delhi Railway Station, Karat called for the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on moral grounds. “Precious lives were lost at both the Maha Kumbh and Delhi Railway Station, highlighting the government’s failure to ensure adequate arrangements. The railway minister should resign,” he said.