India, Oct. 14 -- Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of "authoritarianism", alleging that the government was suppressing dissent through restrictions on protests and attempting to disenfranchise voters.

"First vote theft, then 'theft of the right to protest'-this is proof of BJP's authoritarianism," Kharge said, referring to the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.

"No one will bow before the oppressive policies of Modi-Shah anymore," he said, adding that the country will hold the BJP accountable for its actions.

Kharge alleged that those questioning the government were being jailed, young protesters were being beaten with batons and women demonstrators were facing pol...