MARGAO: Noted Human Rights and Peace activist Fr Cedric Prakash SJ, spoke about the challenges of Possible responses to Post Election India at a well-attended public meeting organised by the Alliance for Justice and Harmony in Margao, wherein Fr Cedric was the keynote speaker.
He highlighted the need for continued vigilance, civic engagement, and protection of democratic institutions in the face of perceived threats to constitutional values and human rights and further emphasized the need for a multi-pronged strategy to address these challenges.
The activist began by expressing his concerns about the integrity of the election process. “One thing I’m very, very clear about is that this is a stolen election,” Fr Cedric stated emphatically. He alleged that there was evidence of EVM manipulation in at least 140 constituencies across India and also pointed out irregularities in the counting process, particularly regarding postal ballots, which he claimed were counted at the end instead of at the beginning as required.
Fr Cedric highlighted the efforts of civil society groups calling for an investigation into these alleged irregularities. He mentioned that both the Election Commission and the Supreme Court have been urged to authenticate the results in the disputed constituencies.
Fr Cedric also praised the increased civic awareness and participation during the elections and commended citizens across demographics for their efforts in registering to vote, exercising their franchise, and voting against what he termed as “corruption, communalism, and anti-constitutional activities.”
Analyzing the election outcome, Fr Cedric described it as a “fractured mandate” but warned about potential political manuevering, including the buying of elected representatives, citing examples from states like Haryana and Goa.
Fr Cedric stressed upon the importance of an “enlightened citizenship” in safeguarding democracy. He warned that without vigilant citizens, the country could fall into what he described as “the hell of dictatorship.”
Addressing concerns about human rights, Fr Cedric acknowledged both positive and negative developments. He mentioned recent cases where activists like Vernon Gonzalez and Arun Ferreira were granted bail by the Supreme Court after years of imprisonment in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case. However, he also remembered his fellow Jesuit, Fr Stan Swamy, who died in judicial custody in 2021 while facing charges in the same case.
The activist expressed concern about recent actions against dissenters, citing the Delhi Lieutenant Governor’s decision to allow prosecution of author Arundhati Roy and a Muslim professor for statements made years ago. He also mentioned a defamation case filed by the same Governor against Narmada Bachao Andolan founder Medha Patkar.
Fr Cedric described the central government as “vindictive” and “resentful,” unable to tolerate dissent or consider the voices of ordinary citizens. He raised questions about whether the trend of imprisoning journalists, academics, and human rights defenders would continue in the post-election scenario.
Despite these challenges, Fr Cedric concluded on a hopeful note, highlighting the “great advance in civil society today.” He emphasized the role of an informed and active citizenry in preserving democratic values and resisting authoritarian tendencies.