New Delhi, October 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress leader Nana Patole on Saturday accused the BJP-led Central government of creating an “Emergency-like situation” in the country, criticising restrictions imposed in Delhi ahead of a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). He alleged that the government was apprehensive about facing the public and was curtailing people’s democratic right to protest peacefully.
Speaking to IANS, Patole said the restrictions reflected what he described as a decline in democratic functioning. He argued that citizens had the right to demonstrate peacefully and fight for their rights, alleging that an undeclared Emergency had prevailed in the country since 2014.
“The Modi government has basically created an Emergency-like situation in the country. Since 2014, there has been an undeclared Emergency in the country,” Patole said, questioning why such restrictions would be necessary if the government had been elected through a democratic process.
The Congress leader also criticised the reported disruption of transport services and alleged that people travelling to Delhi by train and flight were being prevented from reaching their destination, with some allegedly being detained. He also referred to the suspension of Metro services, condemning what he described as measures aimed at preventing citizens from participating in protests.
Patole accused the government of being unwilling to face public dissent, claiming that the restrictions reflected its apprehension about confronting citizens directly.
Drawing a comparison with British rule in India, Patole alleged that the BJP government was imposing restrictions on democratic protests that undermined citizens’ rights.
“If this government does not allow the right to protest in a democratically formed government, then it is worse than the British,” he said.
He also referred to the reported arrest of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke while he was travelling, alleging that Dipke had been removed from a flight and arrested.
Patole further responded to the BJP’s criticism of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his remarks following a meeting between an Opposition delegation and President Droupadi Murmu.
Claiming that leaders from across the INDIA bloc had attended the meeting, Patole said the President had interacted with them and indicated that she would look into the concerns raised. He backed Gandhi’s remarks, describing them as truthful, while accusing the BJP of fearing the political consequences of the issues raised by the Opposition.
The allegations made by Patole came amid controversy over restrictions imposed in the national capital in connection with the CJP protest.
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