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"Development Economist Jean Dreze Warns of Authoritarianism Threatening Indian Democracy Ahead of Elections"

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Jean Dreze, a prominent development economist, recently voiced concerns about the state of Indian democracy, labeling it as afflicted by a “recent wave of authoritarianism” and facing a significant crisis. In a statement made just before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Dreze suggested that the present circumstances make the elections “as good as rigged,” citing alleged harassment of opposition leaders by central agencies.

Dreze pointed out instances of political leaders facing legal challenges, such as former Jharkhand Chief Minister Soren’s imprisonment, intermittent periods of incarceration for Lalu Prasad, and allegations against Rahul Gandhi and Congress. He argued that politicians deemed threatening to the ruling BJP are vulnerable to harassment, creating an uneven playing field in the electoral process.

Regarding the BJP’s prospects, Dreze highlighted discontent in Jharkhand and referenced author Arundhati Roy’s analogy of the 2019 elections as a race between a Ferrari and bicycles. He noted that despite challenges, the opposition bloc is working together, which could impact the election outcome significantly. Dreze emphasized historical surprises in previous Lok Sabha polls and cautioned against relying too heavily on exit polls, which have been inaccurate in the past.

The looming Lok Sabha elections, scheduled in seven phases starting from April 19, have sparked intense political discussions and speculation about potential outcomes. Dreze’s comments add to the ongoing discourse surrounding the electoral landscape and the challenges faced by opposition parties in India’s democratic process.

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