Congress Leader Bhai Jagtap Stands Firm on His Controversial Remarks Regarding ECI Amid Criticism
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Mumbai, Nov 30 (NationPress) Congress leader Bhai Jagtap has stood by his contentious statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI), which has led to a substantial political uproar. Jagtap, who described the ECI as the 'dog' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains unyielding, claiming that "his statement echoes the sentiments of crores of people".
In support of his remarks, Jagtap—a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council—told IANS: "I am unwavering in my statement. This is not solely about Bhai Jagtap, but reflects the feelings of millions."
He criticized the ECI for compromising democracy and creating uncertainty among voters, especially following the Maharashtra Assembly election results.
"The Election Commission should fortify our democracy, not instill doubt," Jagtap continued, questioning why the ECI failed to respond to alleged infractions such as BJP leader Ram Shinde's assertions regarding the "influence of money in the electoral landscape".
He also expressed alarm over the ECI's choice to delete Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) data and conduct mock voting, calling on the electoral body to resolve these matters.
Bhai Jagtap further reacted to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's comments during the Congress Working Committee meeting about the party's 'underwhelming' performance, in which Kharge criticized the excessive dependence on national leaders and encouraged party members to concentrate more on local concerns.
Jagtap concurred with Kharge, stating: "What he articulated is correct. Every political party must assess itself for enhancement. If both Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi believe this, it is vital that we tackle our shortcomings."
On the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to refrain from participating in Pakistan during the forthcoming Champions Trophy, Jagtap, a former cricketer himself, emphasized that sports should remain free from political interference. "It is a BCCI decision, and they are best equipped to handle it."
