Indian political factions clash over protest rights and judicial pressure

Political tensions in India have escalated following a series of protests and counter-accusations between major political factions. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the central government of institutionalizing authoritarianism, specifically citing the Delhi Police's decision to remove Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. The party argues that relocating demonstrations to remote areas like Burari Ground and CBD Ground is a strategy to distance public dissent from the seat of power and imposes financial hurdles on protesters.

In response to recent demonstrations, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, leader of the Shiv Sena, accused the Congress and the INDIA bloc of conspiring with foreign forces to destabilize the country. Shinde criticized the opposition’s ‘March for Democracy’ to the Supreme Court, labeling it an unprecedented attempt to pressure the judiciary. He demanded an apology from the INDIA bloc, claiming their actions undermine the Constitution and the country’s highest judicial institutions.