The Modi government has imposed an “undeclared state of emergency”, Kharge claims

Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge addressing the media at the Kalaburagi Airport on Sunday (October 11). | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI

Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday (October 11) accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of imposing an “undeclared emergency” to quell protests against alleged election rigging. He claimed that the restrictions on transport services and internet access, the confiscation of mobile phones and the detention of young protesters were aimed at silencing the opposition.

Speaking to media persons at the Kalaburagi Airport, Mr. Kharge compared the situation to the Emergency of 1975-77, during which he was a minister.

“Trains were not disrupted, flights were not disrupted and educational institutions functioned smoothly during the emergency. But today there is no emergency declared; this is an undeclared emergency,” he said.

He held Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah and the Delhi Police responsible for the crackdown and police action against protesters in Delhi the day before against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

Mr. Kharge said the Congress and other opposition parties had repeatedly raised concerns about alleged vote-stealing in Maharashtra, Haryana and Karnataka, including Aland and Mahagaon, but the Election Commission and the government had not acted. He claimed that the recent disclosure of two members of the Electoral Commission had strengthened the opposition’s fears of alleged electoral irregularities.

CEC immunity

Mr. Kharge challenged the immunity granted to the Chief Election Commissioner under the law passed in 2023, arguing that it shielded the CEC from liability.

“Judges do not have such immunity, the Chief Justice of India does not have it and neither does the President of India. Why was it given to the Chief Election Commissioner?” he asked.

He demanded the removal of the CEC and action against those allegedly involved in election rigging, including Mr Modi and Mr Shah. He also alleged that electoral rolls were manipulated through Special Intensive Review (SIR) and other methods to influence election results.

Demands ballot elections

Mr. Kharge reiterated three demands: elections using ballot papers instead of EVMs, removal of EVMs from the election process and Mr. Kumar’s removal.

He also demanded the resignation of the governments that, according to him, came to power through electoral fraud, and the dissolution of the respective provincial assemblies.

At an INDIA Bloc protest in Delhi on Monday (October 12), Mr Kharge said he and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had requested a meeting with the Chief Justice of India between 4pm and 5pm to present the letter. Other alliance leaders will join the delegation, depending on the number allowed to meet the chief justice, he said.

Published – 11 Oct 2026 19:11 IST