Srinagar, High-profile politicians from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), including National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah and People’s Democratic Party Chief Mehbooba Mufti, have publicly criticized the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. They describe the move as indicative of the Narendra Modi government’s increasing authoritarian tendencies.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Mehbooba Mufti labeled Kejriwal’s arrest as politically motivated, viewing it as a clear demonstration of the Indian government’s authoritarian approach. She argued that such actions reveal the ruling party’s desperation, suggesting that the government is resorting to extreme measures to influence electoral outcomes even before votes are cast.

Mufti called for a united stand against oppressive governance, citing historical instances where authoritarian regimes were overcome through collective resistance.

Omar Abdullah shared Mufti’s concerns, speculating that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) might use Kejriwal’s arrest as a pretext to impose President’s rule in Delhi, thereby undermining the democratic process. He criticized the misuse of constitutional provisions to thwart the electorate’s will, deeming Kejriwal’s detention a detriment to democracy and a sign of the BJP’s anxiety.

Abdullah also pointed to the detention of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren as part of a broader pattern of opposition leaders being targeted by the current Indian administration, signaling a worrisome trend toward diminishing democratic freedoms in the country.