Has ECI's Ultimatum to Rahul Gandhi Ignited a Political Firestorm?

New Delhi, Aug 18 (NationPress) The political climate in the nation intensified on Sunday following an ultimatum issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding his allegations of "vote chori".

The ECI instructed LoP Gandhi to provide an affidavit with supporting evidence for his claims within seven days or face the requirement to publicly apologize. The Commission stated that without such an affidavit, all accusations would be deemed untrue.

The ruling BJP welcomed the ECI's decision, urging LoP Gandhi to adhere to the directive, while the INDIA Bloc accused the electoral body of serving as a "political tool" to suppress dissent.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized the Congress MP, stating, "The Election Commission has clearly stated that they must submit an affidavit within seven days; otherwise, he (LoP Gandhi) should apologize to the public. I ask, as of today, August 18, how many names has he identified as incorrect and presented to the Election Commission? Spreading confusion will yield no results."

In a statement to IANS, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya asserted, "Rahul Gandhi has been creating chaos and questioning constitutional institutions. There is a proper procedure for political parties to raise objections regarding the voter list publication and revision. However, Rahul Gandhi is shooting blindly and spreading rumors across the country," he continued, adding, "His behavior is neither democratic nor constitutional and is wholly irresponsible. Such actions are disgraceful for someone in the position of Leader of the Opposition."

Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishvas Sarang also condemned the LoP, stating to IANS, "Rahul Gandhi makes unfounded claims for media attention and photo opportunities to mislead the public. When making allegations against institutions like the Election Commission, it is essential to present facts and an affidavit; that is the rule."

Supporting the ECI, Uttar Pradesh Minister Anil Rajbhar mentioned that the electoral body has already clarified all concerns raised by the opposition.

"I believe the Election Commission held an unprecedentedly lengthy press conference yesterday, something that has never occurred before. They addressed every question and clarified all issues," he stated.

JD(U) MP Dileshwar Kamait also criticized LoP Gandhi for targeting the Commission, saying, "The poll body has addressed the confusion; now it is time for Rahul Gandhi to do the same. The citizens understand that the Commission's aim is to conduct free and fair elections. An affidavit is vital for ensuring impartiality."

Nonetheless, the Opposition firmly stated that LoP Gandhi would not apologize, maintaining that he spoke the truth and committed no wrongdoing.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari staunchly defended LoP Gandhi, asserting, "I wish to remind Gyanesh Kumar that as the esteemed Chief Election Commissioner holding a constitutional position, he should uphold the dignity of his office. The manner in which he conducted the press conference makes the term 'vote theft' seem inadequate. If citizens cannot exercise their rights, who will protect them? I urge him to act responsibly and ensure that nothing occurs that might erode public trust in him."

Congress MP Imran Masood also remained resolute, stating, "An apology from LoP Rahul Gandhi? Why should he apologize? Rahul Gandhi will not apologize. Everything he has stated has been done so with conviction and boldness."

He further remarked that the ECI failed to address the core issues the Opposition raised, saying, "They did not even touch upon the crucial question that has sparked outrage across the nation. They did not mention that in the Lok Sabha, numerous fraudulent voters were identified. There was no reference to that either."

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticized the Commission, telling IANS, "We received no concrete answers to our inquiries. It was merely a script being recited, seemingly drafted by the BJP to target the Opposition. It has become evident today that the Election Commission is misusing its authority, while the BJP exploits it as a weapon to attack the Opposition."

Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav echoed concerns regarding the poll body.

Speaking to IANS, he stated, "If the Election Commission asserts that its voter list is entirely accurate, it has the right to request an affidavit... If the Election Commission errs, it suggests filing a correction application, but if someone points this out, they demand an affidavit. This is unjust."

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar also accused the poll body of bias, stating, "We want to remind the Election Commission that it is a constitutional body. You should operate as you are meant to, yet you are not doing so. You are functioning as an extension of the BJP, merely misleading through statements without taking real action."