BJP Refutes Kharge’s Allegations on Election Commission's Integrity, Asserts 'Most Reforms Initiated During Congress Tenure'
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New Delhi, Dec 23 (NationPress) A day after Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge made allegations against the BJP-led Centre for a systematic conspiracy aimed at undermining the integrity of the Election Commission, the BJP rejected these accusations as unfounded and unwarranted.
Former Union Minister and senior BJP figure Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, in an interview with IANS, reflected on the modifications and reforms in the nation’s electoral framework over the last seventy years, asserting that it was the Congress that was in power when various changes were made to the election panel.
Kharge, taking to X on Sunday, criticized the Modi administration for restricting public access to certain electronic election-related documents, such as CCTV footage, webcasting, and video recordings of candidates. He described this as a calibrated erosion of the ECI's integrity, characterizing it as a direct assault on India's Constitution and democratic principles. His comments followed a recent government amendment limiting public inspection of specific electronic records, reportedly to prevent misuse.
In response, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi accused Kharge of hypocrisy, highlighting the Congress Party’s historical involvement in altering the country's electoral system on numerous occasions.
Naqvi retorted, stating, "The Election Commission of India was founded in 1950, and significant electoral reforms have predominantly occurred during Congress governance. The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems that Kharge now criticizes were both established during Congress's administration."
He also reminded Kharge of several crucial changes enacted under the Congress regime, including tax exemptions for political party funding, foreign contributions to parties, and lenient election contest regulations for individuals with criminal histories.
Naqvi further commended the Modi government’s efforts to enhance the electoral process, emphasizing increased transparency and efficiency.
"Prime Minister Modi has focused on making elections more transparent and accessible to voters. Currently, state funding for elections reaches up to 70 percent, voter slips are distributed effectively through government channels, and the issuance of voter ID cards has been completed for all citizens," Naqvi stated.
Naqvi also addressed recent incidents in Uttar Pradesh, where three Khalistani terrorists were neutralized by police in Pilibhit.
"Anyone who jeopardizes the integrity and security of our nation will encounter a decisive response. This encounter is a demonstration of our security forces' commitment to protect the nation and its citizens," he concluded.
