Is the Congress Really the 'Mother of Electoral Manipulation' from 1952 to Today?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, the BJP accuses Congress of electoral manipulation spanning decades, claiming their wrongful practices began in 1952 and persist to this day. Discover how this assertion impacts the political landscape as key elections loom.
Key Takeaways
- BJP claims Congress has a long history of electoral manipulation.
- Allegations date back to the early years of independent India.
- Key political figures, including Nehru and Indira Gandhi, are implicated.
- The accusations may affect the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
- Both parties engage in a heated exchange over democratic integrity.
New Delhi, Aug 13 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday launched a fierce critique against the Congress, branding it as the “mother of electoral fraud”. The BJP pointed to a history of alleged electoral manipulations stretching back to the formative years of independent India.
In a post on social media platform X, complemented by an infographic, the BJP highlighted five specific instances from 1952 to 1987, asserting that prominent Congress figures, including former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, were involved in unethical practices to secure electoral victories.
The party claimed that such conduct persists today, declaring that “the Congress’s assault on democracy is still ongoing.”
The BJP's timeline began with an incident in 1952, alleging a collusion between Congress and Communist leaders to defeat Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during elections.
The second incident cited was from 1957, where Congress supporters purportedly executed India’s first instance of booth capturing in Begusarai, Bihar.
Furthermore, the BJP accused the Congress of manipulating the 1967 elections in Jammu & Kashmir, where it was claimed that opposition nominations were systematically rejected, allowing the party to win 61 seats unopposed.
Indira Gandhi was specifically targeted by the BJP, which argued that she secured her 1975 Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat through rigging—an election result that was later contested in court, culminating in the imposition of the Emergency. Another example from 1987 highlighted the Congress’s alleged rigging of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections, a factor often linked to the onset of insurgency in the region.
Accompanying images of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, the BJP captioned the post: “The mother of electoral fraud is Congress”, and added the slogan, “Congress’s attack on democracy - 1952, 1957, 1967, 1975, 1987… still continuing.”
This renewed offensive by the BJP arrives amid a charged political atmosphere, as both parties exchange criticisms regarding each other’s democratic integrity, particularly with pivotal state elections approaching in Bihar and next year’s assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize that both major parties in India have faced various allegations throughout their histories. The BJP's recent claims against the Congress highlight ongoing tensions and differing narratives regarding electoral integrity as both parties prepare for significant electoral contests.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What allegations has the BJP made against Congress?
The BJP has accused Congress of engaging in electoral fraud since 1952, citing specific instances of manipulation to secure victories, including collusion and rigging.
How has Congress responded to these claims?
Congress has refuted the allegations, asserting that the BJP is attempting to distract from its own governance issues and electoral challenges.
What are the implications of these accusations for upcoming elections?
These allegations may influence voter perceptions and party strategies as both the BJP and Congress prepare for significant state elections.
