Siliguri, 20th April: Pre-election discourse in Siliguri has called for maintaining communal harmony, democratic traditions, and cultural values, while expressing concern over rising intolerance and political polarisation.
On Monday, a group of educationists, writers, and public figures gathered in front of the Gandhi statue in Siliguri. They strongly opposed any form of propaganda promoting division or communal hatred in the name of religion.
They also cautioned the administration that democratic rights of citizens should not be undermined due to excessive activity by central agencies and paramilitary forces.
The participants further demanded that election discussions be centred on key issues such as livelihood, employment, education, and women’s safety, instead of divisive identity-based politics.