EAM S Jaishankar dismisses UN's assertion on free and fair polls

PTC Nes Desk: During his campaign visit to Thiruvananthapuram in support of BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar rebuffed a recent remark by a senior UN official concerning elections in India. Dismissing the UN's stance, Jaishankar asserted his confidence in the fairness of Indian elections without external validation.

Addressing reporters, Jaishankar responded to queries regarding a UN spokesperson's statement expressing hope for free and fair elections in India. The UN official's remark came in the context of recent political developments in India, including the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the freezing of Congress Party's bank accounts.

Jaishankar downplayed the UN's statement, emphasising that he relies on the trust and judgment of the Indian electorate to ensure the integrity of elections. He emphasized that the people of India are the ultimate arbiters of the democratic process, suggesting that external validation from the UN is unnecessary.

The UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, had addressed concerns about political unrest in India ahead of the national elections. In response to a question during a press briefing, Dujarric emphasized the importance of upholding political and civil rights, including the right to vote, in a free and fair atmosphere.

Jaishankar's dismissal of the UN's remarks underscores the Indian government's stance on sovereignty and self-assurance in conducting its democratic processes. By asserting the trustworthiness of India's electoral system, Jaishankar conveyed a message of confidence in the country's democratic traditions.

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(Inputs from agencies)