New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention in the withdrawal of new regulations in Lakshadweep, saying they seek to penalise dissent and undermine grassroots democracy.

Congress’s Rahul Gandhi said, “The administrator has unilaterally proposed sweeping changes without duty consulting elected representatives or the public. The people of Lakshadweep are protesting against these arbitrary actions.”

He said all this is being done by the new Administrator Praful Khoda Patel in the guise of development and maintaining law and order. ''I request you to intervene in this matter and ensure that the above-mentioned orders are withdrawn. The people of Lakshadweep deserve a developmental vision that respects their way of life and reflects their aspirations,'' Gandhi told the prime minister.

Gandhi said the administrator's attempt to undermine the ecological sanctity of the island is evident in the draft Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation issued recently.

Among other points written to PM, The Congress leader highlighted that the new administrator has also proposed changes to regulations like the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation, the Lakshadweep Animals Preservation Regulation and lifting of restrictions on sale of alcohol and termed them as a deliberate assault on the cultural and religious fabric of the local community.

Why did Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan called Rahul Gandhi the 'vulture of the earth'?

"Evil is rampant, poisoning the system .." :Rahul Gandhi said on Nehru's death anniversary

Toolkit case: Delhi police sent notice to two congress leaders