With nationwide BJP’s grip and victory of maximum states, India is moving towards “opposition free” structure — and that has always been PM Modi’s dream to make “Congress Mukt Bharat.” A letter was written by opposition party leader Sanjay Raut to US President Donald Trump telling – “Democracy is not just about elections—it is about ensuring they are free, fair, and credible.”
Recently India underwent elections in various states and West Bengal was the center of attention where the Governor was replaced a few months before the election, officers were transferred, and a Special Investigation Review (SIR) was run cutting 91 lakh voters from the voting list. The election was conducted in unusual situations with 3.5 lakhs of central forces imposed there — and the ruling Trinamool party alleged the election was forged and BJP won by looting over a hundred seats forcefully with help of Election Commission of India.
Sanjay Raut, an MP from Shiv Sena party, advised the US President to get more information before circulating a congratulatory message on other countries’ state elections. Raut said, these are internal matters and foreign interventions are unexpected —- especially when the situation is “concerning”.
Writing an open letter to President Trump on X, Raut said, “As a Member of Parliament from India, I write in response to reports of your congratulations to PM Narendra Modi on the West Bengal Assembly election results.”
“These are state-level elections—an internal matter of India’s federal democracy. Any external endorsement appears premature and misplaced,” he said. “More importantly, serious concerns have emerged. Numerous complaints allege an atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and systemic pressure. There are widespread perceptions that the Election Commission did not act impartially and that its functioning appeared to favor the BJP, raising questions about institutional neutrality.”
“Equally troubling are allegations regarding the extensive deployment of central forces, which many believe created coercion rather than confidence.”
“Senior leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, have publicly raised concerns about the fairness of the process. These reflect a broader unease that cannot be ignored, Raut wrote.
“Democracy is not just about elections—it is about ensuring they are free, fair, and credible. When serious allegations arise, they warrant scrutiny, not celebration,” he said. “Were these concerns considered before your statement?”
“Given your emphasis on democratic values, I urge a more informed and balanced view. Thank you very much,” Raut said.
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