Congress Supports Rahul Gandhi's Strong EC Remarks Amid BJP Criticism
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Synopsis
The Congress party has expressed its support for Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi after the BJP condemned his remarks about the Election Commission during his US visit. Gandhi criticized the EC's integrity, prompting discussions on electoral fairness and government influence on the election process.
Key Takeaways
- Congress supports Rahul Gandhi's remarks on EC.
- BJP accuses Gandhi of undermining India abroad.
- Gandhi highlights voting irregularities in Maharashtra elections.
- Rashid Alvi calls for stronger language against the EC.
- Concerns raised about the impartiality of the Election Commission.
New Delhi, April 21 (NationPress) The Congress party voiced its support for the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, following a strong backlash from the BJP regarding his statements about the Election Commission (EC) made during his visit to the US.
LoP Rahul Gandhi raised concerns about the integrity of the nation's election body while addressing the Indian diaspora in Boston, which led to significant criticism from BJP representatives. The ruling party accused him of “maligning” India on international grounds and labeled him as an “agent” of George Soros.
In his address, LoP Rahul Gandhi asserted that the EC had been compromised, citing irregularities during the Maharashtra Assembly elections as a case in point.
“During the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the number of votes cast exceeded the total population of Maharashtra. This is a verified fact. The EC reported a figure around 5:30 p.m., and within just two hours, around 7:30 p.m., 65 lakh voters had cast their votes, which is physically impossible. There is something fundamentally flawed with the system,” he remarked.
Backing LoP Rahul Gandhi, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Rashid Alvi stated that the language used by the Leader of the Opposition was actually “mild” and warranted “harsher” words.
“LoP Rahul Gandhi utilized very mild language for the EC. He ought to have opted for more severe expressions. The EC is biased. The critical issue is: why did the current government exclude the Chief Justice of India from the committee responsible for appointing an Election Commissioner? Now, the top official is designated by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and a Cabinet Minister. This undeniably makes the Election Commissioner a pawn of the government,” Alvi told IANS.
Alvi also questioned the impartiality of the election body.
“How can we assert that the EC is overseeing free and fair elections? We have witnessed the situations in Maharashtra and Haryana. The EC holds the responsibility to conduct elections honestly as an independent constitutional body. I would like to pose a question to the Prime Minister -- when the entire Opposition requests elections to be held via ballot paper, why is the government resistant to this?” he added.
Congress MP Kumari Selja also defended LoP Rahul Gandhi, indicating that his frustration was a result of the BJP’s constant efforts to distract from significant national issues.
BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra, during a press conference, stated that the LoP is once more attempting to tarnish the EC and damage the country's reputation.
“A person, whose mother and he are currently out on bail with a bond of Rs 50,000 in the National Herald case, is disseminating propaganda from foreign territories. No one will take them seriously,” Patra remarked.
Selja criticized BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra’s comments, asserting that LoP Rahul Gandhi is frustrated because the BJP is diverting attention from actual issues, adding that the government is jeopardizing the future of our youth.
“Whenever the honorable Prime Minister travels abroad, he neglects to discuss India's advancements. Instead, he targets the Opposition. Even on foreign soil, he concentrates on the Congress. However, Rahul Gandhi speaks based on facts. He does not lie. He speaks the truth,” Selja told IANS.
