Is BJP's Response to LoP Gandhi's 'Match-Fixing' Claims Justified?

Mumbai, June 7 (NationPress) The BJP has initiated a vigorous response to the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi following his dramatic allegations of "match-fixing" concerning the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Party officials have dismissed these assertions as groundless and accused Gandhi of fabricating excuses in anticipation of the Congress party's expected losses in the upcoming elections, particularly in Bihar.

In his opinion article and social media updates, LoP Gandhi claimed that the BJP-led Mahayuti is engaging in widespread electoral manipulation in Maharashtra, detailing what he termed a systematic undermining of the democratic process.

The Congress leader reiterated his previous warnings from his February 3 Parliament speech, pointing to inflated voter registrations, suspiciously high turnouts post-deadline, and a lack of transparency from the Election Commission as evidence of a compromised election.

However, BJP leaders, both at the state and national level, have vehemently countered these allegations.

Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Ramdas Kadam dismissed the claims, stating, "No one is taking him seriously. With civic elections approaching, Rahul Gandhi is merely concocting excuses ahead of time."

In a similar vein, BJP MLA Ram Kadam likened Gandhi’s statements to a student making excuses after failing an exam. "When they win, EVMs are fine; when they lose, it’s rigging. If he has evidence, why not take it to court? These childish comments disrespect the Constitution," he remarked, highlighting the Congress party's declining electoral performance under Gandhi's leadership.

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi stated to reporters that Gandhi's comments suggest he has already "acknowledged defeat" in Bihar. "Those who fear losing often make such claims," he noted.

Speaking to IANS, Karnataka BJP MLA Arvind Bellad harshly criticized Gandhi: "It's time for him to mature and communicate responsibly. He lacks credibility – not just with the media but with the general public. He should learn how to articulate himself better. It’s time for him to start delivering responsible statements."

BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat told IANS, "Rahul Gandhi never accepts accountability. The Congress, once the predominant party in the country, is now struggling to maintain relevance. The issue lies with their ideology, not with the EVMs."

She further accused LoP Gandhi of allegedly being abroad during significant election periods, asserting, "When elections occur, he is overseas, making statements against the nation, which troubles the citizens. If the party is losing, it’s due to its own shortcomings."

BJP National Spokesperson R.P. Singh indicated that LoP Gandhi's remarks show signs of panic following his observations during his Bihar visit. "Why doesn’t he make such claims when Congress or its allies succeed in Telangana, Karnataka, or Bengal?" he questioned.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad Ansari remarked, "The people of Bihar have clearly turned their backs on Congress. Rahul Gandhi's tone reveals a fear of another defeat. The public has distanced itself from the Congress across India."

LoP Gandhi's article, shared on social media, elaborates on what he describes as a systematic method employed by the BJP to manipulate election outcomes – from controlling the panel responsible for appointing the Election Commission to inflating voter rolls and stifling scrutiny of irregularities.

He characterized the rise in voter turnout after polling hours as "unprecedented," alleging that over 76 lakh additional votes were mysteriously added, aiding the BJP in securing dominance in 85 key constituencies.