Manoj Jha links Jantar Mantar protest to erosion of Gandhian values

Standing at Jantar Mantar on Gandhi Jayanti, RJD MP Manoj Jha framed the opposition’s protest against the Election Commission as a struggle for the republic’s soul. He argued that the government’s heavy-handed restrictions and the shutdown of metro services signaled a departure from the democratic ideals associated with Mahatma Gandhi.

Editorial·October 2, 2026·reads: 232

Manoj Jha links Jantar Mantar protest to erosion of Gandhian values

Jha characterized the gathering not merely as a political maneuver, but as a voice for citizens concerned about the integrity of democratic institutions. He directed his criticism toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting that the administration is operating under the influence of unaccountable forces. The MP specifically challenged the Election Commission’s handling of the Special Intensive Revision, labeling the recent procedural shifts as a tacit confession of earlier systematic irregularities.

Highlighting the discrepancy between the commission’s previous denials and current course corrections, Jha claimed that the push for special drives in 20 states validates long-standing opposition grievances. He drew a direct line from these administrative failures to the 2020 postal ballot controversy, alleging that institutional immunity is being used to shield high-ranking officials from accountability. By invoking the memory of Gandhi, Jha warned that the current path leads away from the constitutional values the country must eventually reclaim.