New York, August 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda has alleged that India’s democratic institutions have been “captured”, claiming that the judiciary and Election Commission can no longer be regarded as fully independent.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Pitroda also accused the government of using investigative agencies against critics and exerting influence over education, civil society and the media.
“So I think institutions have been captured,” Pitroda said when asked about the independence of the judiciary and Election Commission.
“Let’s look at the track record now. You think election commission is independent in India? I don’t think so,” he said, while acknowledging that the extent of such influence could be debated.
Pitroda contrasted the present situation with the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying he was not aware of the Prime Minister’s Office exerting pressure on constitutional authorities during that period.
“I don’t think during Manmohan Singh time, at least I know, there was any pressure from Prime Minister’s office to anybody. That’s not the way Manmohan Singh operated,” he said.
He alleged that Singh would not have attempted to influence the judiciary or directed the Enforcement Directorate to target individuals.
Asked whether political influence could also have existed under the previous Congress-led government, Pitroda said it was possible but stressed that the degree of influence was important.
Pitroda further alleged that the appointment of people aligned with the RSS as university vice-chancellors had affected higher education institutions. He also claimed that civil society and independent journalism had faced increasing pressure.
“We have put vice chancellors who are RSS people. I mean, that means you’re interfering with education, higher education,” he said.
“Institutions are captured, civil society is not allowed to function, media is completely bought out, biased, and those who are speaking against get harassed. Revenge is a way of life. You immediately send ED or somebody,” he alleged.
Pitroda also questioned the absence of regular press conferences by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arguing that direct engagement with citizens was essential to a healthy democracy.
“How come Prime Minister of India does not have press conference?” he asked, stressing the importance of dialogue, consultation and accountability.
He said democratic governance required “collaboration, cooperation, communication, co-creation” and criticised what he described as a shift towards a “command and control” approach.
“Democracy is all about consensus building. Democracy is about give and take. Democracy is not about my way or highway. Democracy is not about fear,” Pitroda said.
He argued that the trend towards authoritarian governance was visible in several countries, citing Hungary, China, Russia and India as examples.
“World over, there is a tendency for authoritarian regime to show their power,” he said, adding that such tendencies were not confined to any one country.
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