Did Rajasthan BJP Conduct the Anta Bypoll with Integrity?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP's commitment to integrity: The party emphasizes fair election practices.
- Voter engagement: High turnout in Anta reflects public interest.
- Political strategy: Losing some elections is part of the BJP's broader strategy.
- Critique of Congress: Agrawal calls out the Congress for ineffective poverty alleviation efforts.
- Leadership dynamics: Agrawal suggests Gehlot's relevance is waning.
Jaipur, Nov 18 (NationPress) BJP state incharge Radha Mohan Das Agrawal asserted on Tuesday that the recent Anta bye-election showcased the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) commitment to conducting elections fairly.
Addressing the press at Jaipur airport, Agrawal noted that the BJP governs both at the state and central levels and had been aware for six months about the impending Anta bye-election.
“Had we intended to sway the election through political leverage, voter lists, or administrative control, the outcome would have been in our favor. However, we conducted the election with absolute integrity and complete fairness, honoring public sentiment,” he remarked, in light of the Congress' triumph in the bypoll.
Agrawal emphasized that the BJP wins numerous elections nationwide, hence, it does not fear losing a few.
“We are victorious in many elections. If we enable them to win one or two now and then, it will ensure their survival,” he suggested, indicating that the Anta results reflect the ruling party’s dedication to democratic values rather than manipulation.
He drew parallels with the recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir. “We lost a majority of seats in Srinagar, where voter turnout was 70 percent. Anta saw an even higher turnout of 81 percent. The Anta election serves as a firm rebuttal to those who accuse the BJP of vote rigging. This is a victory for the BJP's principles and demonstrates our belief in democracy,” he stated.
Targeting former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Agrawal commented, “Ashok Gehlot has become increasingly irrelevant.”
He argued that the BJP's victories in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Delhi over the past year reflect a robust connection between public sentiment and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s messaging.
“What PM Modi conveys resonates directly with the populace,” he added.
Criticizing the Congress party, Agrawal remarked that they have relied on empty promises for 65 years, pointing out their repeated pledge to eradicate poverty. “They chanted slogans and instead marginalized the poor. Over the last 11 years, we have significantly improved the lives of the poor and middle class,” he asserted.
Clarifying his role, Agrawal stated that he was not involved in the Anta bypoll. “Winning and losing are integral to political life. The party was fully engaged, and senior leaders were overseeing the election. We win many elections, but if we allow them to win occasionally, they will endure,” he reiterated.