Cong slams govt over social-media 'crackdown', says undermining free speech threat to democracy
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New Delhi (PTI): The Congress slammed the BJP-led Centre on Thursday for its "crackdown" on social media, including X, YouTube and Instagram, by allegedly ordering the closure of several accounts and said undermining free speech is a threat to democracy.
Addressing a press conference here, Congress spokesperson and the head of the the party's social media and digital platforms wing, Supriya Shrinate, claimed that multiple accounts across various social media platforms have either been blocked or restricted under official directives.
She alleged that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to suppress dissent and evade accountability by curbing digital expression.
Shrinate stated that several X, YouTube and Instagram accounts that questioned government policies or highlighted public issues were either blocked, suspended or had content removed without adequate explanation.
She further claimed that even independent content creators and media platforms, including YouTube channels and magazine-related posts, have faced action, while citing the instance of police detaining a YouTuber who reported on LPG cylinder shortages in Noida.
Calling it a "serious attack on freedom of expression", the Congress spokesperson said she has personally received multiple notices from social-media platforms regarding content restrictions.
She accused the government of attempting to extend control over digital platforms after influencing mainstream media, terming it a "new trend" in the country of first removing content and then blocking accounts.
Targeting Modi, Shrinate said the government is "intolerant of criticism" and accused it of weakening democratic institutions by restricting opposition voices and public questioning.
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VP, PM greet civil servants on Civil Services Day
New Delhi (PTI): Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted civil servants on the occasion of Civil Services Day and said it is time to further strengthen the resolve to work towards good governance and nation building.
The Vice President said as the enduring pillar of India's administrative framework, the efforts of the civil servants in strengthening governance and delivering public services are of immense significance.
The prime minister said from the grassroots to policy-making, the efforts of civil servants touch countless lives and contribute to India's progress
"On the occasion of Civil Services Day, I extend my warm greetings to all civil servants and convey my sincere appreciation for your dedication and exemplary service to the nation," Radhakrishnan said in a post on X.
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He said the theme for this year, "Viksit Bharat: Citizen-Centric Governance and Development at the Last Mile", aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and underscores the Government's commitment to transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric governance, with a strong emphasis on last-mile delivery and inclusive development.
"Let us all celebrate the day and continue to work collectively towards building an inclusive and developed India," he said.
The Vice President will deliver the keynote address at the Civil Services Day celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan here on Tuesday.
In his message, Modi greeted all civil servants on Civil Services Day and said this is an occasion to further strengthen the resolve to work towards good governance and nation building.
"May our civil servants continue to serve with excellence, compassion and innovation, upholding the highest standards of duty," he said.
The prime minister said service to the nation is the foundation of a 'Developed India'.
"On the glorious occasion of Civil Services Day, let us reaffirm our resolve to build a strong, prosperous, and sensitive India by bringing the person standing at the last line into the mainstream of development," he said.
The central government celebrates April 21 every year as 'Civil Services day' as an occasion for civil servants to rededicate themselves to the cause of citizen and renew their commitments to public service and excellence in work.
This date is chosen to commemorate the day when the first Home Minister of Independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, addressed the probationers of Administrative Services Officers in 1947 in Delhi, and referred to civil servants as the 'steel frame of India'.
