Chandigarh: Senior Congress leader and former Punjab minister Pargat Singh has strongly criticised the Punjab government, alleging that democratic freedoms are being undermined as protests and media coverage face increasing restrictions.
In a statement posted on social media, Pargat Singh claimed that the presence of Arvind Kejriwal in Punjab has coincided with what he described as growing “authoritarianism and police high-handedness” in the state. He expressed concern over reports that journalists attempting to cover youth-led protests were allegedly being stopped by police authorities.
Questioning the role of law enforcement, Singh asked, “Since when did the police get the authority to decide which journalist can report from the ground and which cannot?” He argued that preventing journalists from performing their duties raises serious questions about press freedom and transparency in a democratic society.
The Congress leader further stated that suppressing public protests is troubling, but restricting media coverage of such demonstrations is even more dangerous. According to him, democracy depends not only on citizens’ right to dissent but also on the ability of journalists to independently report events and hold governments accountable.
Singh warned that any attempt to silence the voices of opposition or restrict the free flow of information weakens democratic institutions. “A democracy cannot function if the government fears both dissent and those who report it,” he said, emphasising that governments must remain open to criticism and public scrutiny.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates over the handling of youth protests in Punjab and allegations from opposition parties that the state government is becoming increasingly intolerant of criticism. The Punjab government has not yet issued an official response to Singh’s latest allegations.
Political observers note that the controversy has once again highlighted the sensitive balance between maintaining law and order and protecting constitutional freedoms, including the rights to peaceful protest and a free press. As the debate intensifies, opposition leaders are expected to continue pressing the government for answers regarding the treatment of protesters and journalists on the ground.