The British government has issued a formal condemnation of the Indian authorities’ decision to deny voting rights to a group of journalists covering the ongoing state elections. In a statement released by the Foreign Office, the UK described the move as “a direct assault on press freedom and democratic processes”. The journalists, who were accredited to report on the polls in five states, were barred from casting their ballots under a newly invoked provision of electoral law that requires a two-year continuous residence in the constituency.
Officials in London have called for an immediate reversal, citing international obligations. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has yet to comment. This development comes amid growing concerns over media independence in the world’s largest democracy.
