Delhi police have increased security around the Election Commission of India in anticipation of protests related to allegations of 'vote theft.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi is marking 25 years in public service today.
On October 7, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the key benchmark policy rate for the first time in over three years, increasing it by 25 basis points to 5.5%. This rate hike is intended to control rising inflation, which has been influenced by escalating energy costs and food prices. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that global inflation is projected to rise sharply, prompting monetary policy tightening by major central banks. He noted that the inflationary pressures are partly due to the re-escalation of conflict in West Asia and volatility in global crude prices.
Malhotra expressed confidence in India's economy, stating it is expected to remain resilient despite these challenges. The RBI has implemented measures to attract dollar inflows to support the Indian rupee, which has been near record lows recently.
In a related development, police in Delhi have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra for allegedly entering the headquarters of All India Radio without permission during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The complaint was filed after the leaders and their supporters were stopped near the Election Commission Office and continued their protest as a sit-in.
India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is celebrating Modi's 25 years in public service with a campaign called 'Seva Sankalp.' Modi was first sworn in as chief minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised Modi's tenure as a testament to service and good governance.
Celebratory events include a bike rally from Tirupati to Varanasi, covering 2,000 km (1,242 miles). Public gatherings in BJP-ruled states will feature speeches by Modi and BJP President Nitin Nabin broadcast on giant screens.
However, critics have raised concerns about the government's spending on public relations while urging citizens to practice austerity amid global conflicts.
Visuals from central Delhi show significant police presence and barricades as authorities prepare for potential protests. This follows a recent march by opposition leaders demanding a meeting with the Election Commission regarding allegations of vote theft. Gandhi has accused those involved in the electoral process of colluding to undermine India's electoral integrity.
Authorities have issued a prohibitory order under Indian law to prevent public gatherings and maintain order.
This report is provided by Deutsche Welle.