Amit Patkar has strongly criticised the cancellation of the Ponda by-election, alleging a nexus between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission of India. He claimed the move came after the BJP realised it could face defeat, accusing the party of avoiding the electorate instead of facing voters.
Patkar further alleged that the petition for cancellation was moved by the very party fearing loss, calling it a sign of political interference. He said the development reflects a broader pattern of institutions being misused to serve political interests, which he described as a systematic subversion of democracy.
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Asserting that public sentiment in Ponda was in favour of change, Patkar said the people would not be silenced. He emphasised that democracy cannot be cancelled and must be upheld.
