The Indian National Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, raised questions about electoral processes and irregularities in the voter list, prompting a fiery rebuttal from the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP's national spokesperson, Sambit Patra, held a press conference on Thursday accusing Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly targeting democratic institutions.
Sambit Patra stated, “Rahul Gandhi's press conference today was clear in two aspects: one technical and the other political. While the technical questions might be related to the Election Commission, Rahul Gandhi's true agenda was political, aimed at cornering the BJP. It seems that when Rahul Gandhi wins, no problems appear with the Election Commission, but as soon as there is a loss, the same institutions come under scrutiny.”
Patra remarked that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have never held a press conference acknowledging victory. This is also observed by the citizens. When winning in Himachal, there are no commendations for the Election Commission's work, nor is there any mention of fraud. At times like these, neutrality is claimed. When a Congress Chief Minister is elected in Telangana and BJP loses, there are no press conferences accusing the Election Commission of fraud. With the Lok Sabha win of 99 seats, celebrations ensue, but what triumphant democracy loss is being celebrated here?”
Sambit Patra accused Rahul Gandhi of threatening constitutional institutions, saying that today Rahul Gandhi indirectly threatened the Election Commission with 'fatal consequences' if responses were not forthcoming. He even suggested that once in power, an opposition leader will not spare a single official. This is the language not of a leader, but of someone employing pressure politics.”
Watch BJP's entire press conference here-
Patra also questioned why Rahul Gandhi did not approach the court with evidence at hand. He inquired why Rahul did not visit the Election Commission before holding the press conference. The meeting with the commission was scheduled for the 8th, yet the press briefing happened a day prior. In Maharashtra's elections, when objections were recorded in November 2024, the Election Commission invited Rahul Gandhi for discussions by December. Congress had 28,420 BLAs in Maharashtra. Why was no objection submitted then? The Election Commission provided every facility to register objections, but this opportunity was not taken.
The BJP leader stated that the Election Commission issued a letter today. In response, the commission asked Rahul Gandhi to provide sworn evidence for the data he presented. To which Rahul stated, 'My words are my oath.' Allegations were made about China seizing land; the Supreme Court questioned whether he was a true Indian. Priyanka Vadra asked, 'Who are the judges to say this?' This is the siblings’ autocracy. With the Rafale topic, apologies had to be made three times after written comments to the Supreme Court.
