Reacting to the United Nations' comments concerning the upcoming general elections in India, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has issued a sharp response. He emphasized that no global body needs to fret over the integrity of India's elections.
The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric, recently expressed hope that, like in other countries, political and civil rights will be preserved in the Indian elections, allowing everyone to vote in a free and fair environment.
While campaigning for BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar in the Lok Sabha elections, Minister Jaishankar stated, "The United Nations doesn't need to tell us that our elections should be free and fair. I have the people of India. And it is the people of India who will ensure that our elections are free and fair, so the UN need not concern itself with this matter."
The United States has also commented
In relation to allegations of a scandal in Delhi's liquor policy and the accusations of pre-election freezing of Congress party's bank accounts, The United States has twice made remarks. The US Department of State's spokesperson has stated that they are closely monitoring the reports of Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, advocating for a fair legal process. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has responded to the US comment by declaring that India's legal procedures are founded on an independent judiciary committed to objective and timely decisions. Questioning the Indian judiciary is improper.
German diplomat summoned as well
Following Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the German Foreign Ministry noted, "We have taken note of this. India is a democratic country. We expect that in this case as well, all standards related to judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles will be applied. Kejriwal is entitled to a fair hearing." The German Foreign Ministry spokesperson additionally stated that the presumption of innocence is a core element of the rule of law and should apply in this case as well.
In response to the German Foreign Ministry's comments, India has strongly objected, asserting that such remarks interfere with its judicial process and undermine the independence of its judiciary. India is a vibrant and robust democracy governed by the rule of law. Just as in India and other democratic countries, the law will take its course in this matter. Forming biased opinions in the case is unwarranted.
