Overview

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government accused of using strong-arm tactics against political opponents and journalists as national elections approach.
• Allegations of corruption and intimidation tactics include jailing opposition members and freezing party accounts, with few legal convictions.
• Civil liberties, including freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, are increasingly restricted, with reports of violence against minorities escalating.
• The independence of India's judiciary and electoral bodies is questioned as the government allegedly manipulates these institutions to maintain power.
• International observers and human rights advocates express alarm over the potential long-term damage to India's democratic framework.