Did BJP Misuse ECI? How Did Congress Win K'taka?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- B.Y. Vijayendra challenges Rahul Gandhi's claims.
- The Election Commission is deemed a constitutional authority.
- Vijayendra questions Congress's electoral success amidst allegations.
- Concerns over democratic integrity raised by political discourse.
- Prime Minister Modi's leadership celebrated on his 4,078-day milestone.
Bengaluru, July 25 (NationPress) Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Friday challenged Rahul Gandhi's assertions, questioning how the Congress party could attain power in the state if the Centre had indeed manipulated the Election Commission.
Vijayendra's remarks followed allegations made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi against the Election Commission of India, claiming he possessed solid evidence that the ECI facilitated cheating for a seat in Karnataka.
During a press conference in Bengaluru, Vijayendra stated, "Rahul Gandhi has accused the Centre and the BJP of exploiting the Election Commission to execute irregularities during the Lok Sabha elections. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have also backed Rahul Gandhi's stance. The Congress party, having faced continuous defeats, is exhibiting signs of desperation. The Election Commission is a constitutional body. Casting doubt on such an institution is both an affront and a threat to democracy."
"I want to question Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar -- if the Election Commission was genuinely misused, how did the Congress secure power in Karnataka with 136 MLAs? If the Centre and BJP had manipulated the Election Commission, would Mr. Siddaramaiah have ascended to the Chief Minister's position? Would Mr. Shivakumar have become Deputy Chief Minister?" Vijayendra inquired.
"You also triumphed in the recent by-elections for three Assembly seats. Was there no misuse then? If the BJP had truly misused the Election Commission, it would currently be the ruling party in Karnataka," he emphasized.
Vijayendra labeled the comments made by Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah, and Shivakumar as "dangerous." He noted that the Congress leadership's inclination to impose an Emergency remains unchanged and demanded that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister apologize.
"The matter concerning electoral rolls in Bihar is already under scrutiny by the Supreme Court. If they genuinely possess evidence, they should present it before the Supreme Court. Nonetheless, targeting the Election Commission is inappropriate," he remarked.
"To be clear -- Rahul Gandhi's statements regarding the Election Commission are not merely an insult to democracy but also undermine a constitutional authority. If his allegations were valid, the BJP would hold power in Karnataka," he reiterated.
Discussing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, which has lasted 4,078 days, Vijayendra expressed, "This is a moment of pride. Following Jawaharlal Nehru, Narendra Modi is the second Prime Minister to have governed the nation for such an extended period. On behalf of the people of Karnataka, I congratulate Prime Minister Modi."
He added that Prime Minister Modi, in his third term, views himself as a servant to the nation and leads with dedication. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never enacted an emergency in the country. His position is not a result of sympathy; it is through integrity, diligence, and development that he has achieved this third term -- and he will continue to guide the nation into the future," Vijayendra concluded.