Mobocracy can never overtake Democracy, says Congress on Capitol hill breach

On Wednesday, violence occurred in the US Capitol grounds after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building in an unprecedented effort to stop Congress from certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s election victory. Following the massive security breach, the US Capitol has been locked down and 52 people have been arrested.

New Delhi: The Indian National Congress on Thursday condemned the violence that occurred in the US Capitol grounds after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building in an unprecedented effort to stop Congress from certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s election victory.

Firing incidents were also reported from inside the Capitol building.

Congress Chief Spokesperson and General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "Mobocracy can never overtake Democracy and what happened in the Capitol Hill in the United States of America is reprehensible, condemnable, and does not bode well for democracy per se. Democratic principles have to be followed by letter and spirit both."

"The manner and fashion in which unruly mob entered the Capitol hill, entered the offices, and also the main chamber is absolutely representing and condemnable. We in the Indian National Congress believe that in democracy, rulers are born by the vote of the people and not by force, and use of force to subvert democracy in any fashion is reprehensible, unacceptable and condemnable," he added.

Earlier today, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condemned the incident in her tweet, saying, "Scenes from the United States of America are deeply disturbing. Democracy and freedom are the essences of America’s greatness. The entire world is watching. May the people of America preserve the dignity of their nation and let the democratic process prevail peacefully."

Hours before the storming of the building, thousands of Trump supporters had gathered at a lawn in front of the White House to hear the President's address at 11 am. On Wednesday, Donald Trump, who continues to insist he will not concede, addressed a rally of his supporters saying, "we will never give up."

Following the massive security breach, the US Capitol has been locked down and 52 people have been arrested.

Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi also tweeted over the matter, "What is happening on Capitol Hill doesn't reflect well on the United States of America at all. The great civilization built on principles of democracy is imploding."

In another tweet, he added, "The world’s oldest written ctal demo—USA—shows its ugly underbelly. But also demonstrated its virtues & resilience. The bipartisanship displayed was exemplary; VP Pence holding strong despite his rogue boss was inspiring & cabinet resignations from a perverse Pres were uplifting."