“This reflects the working of a vibrant democracy, which gives space to those who hold varying views,” the government said in its rebuttal.
WHAT HAD THE REPORT SAID?
“Rather than serving as a champion of democratic practice and a counterweight to authoritarian influence from countries such as China, Modi and his party are tragically driving India itself toward authoritarianism,” the report said, as it spoke about the “ham-fisted lockdown”, the “government’s crackdown on critics” and “the scapegoating of Muslims”.
Asserting that there has been a deterioration in political rights and civil liberties in India since Modi’s tenure began, the report noted that there has been “increased pressure on human rights organisations, rising intimidation of academics and journalists, and a spate of bigoted attacks, including lynchings, aimed at Muslims”.
The decline has only increased with Modi’s re-election in 2019, the report further stated.
Freedom House also raised…