Fadnavis Critiques Rahul Gandhi's Election Claims

Nagpur, Feb 7 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded sharply to Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday, following his comments regarding the surge in voter counts during the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Fadnavis remarked, "Rahul Gandhi is launching accusations in anticipation of his party's defeat in the Delhi elections. The Congress will face elimination after the Delhi results. He is merely rehearsing how to fabricate a new narrative. However, we do not find the same joke amusing repeatedly."

While dismissing Gandhi's concerns about voter figures, Fadnavis stated, "The Election Commission has already addressed all inquiries concerning the voter lists -- detailing where names were added and removed -- so further clarification is unnecessary. Rahul Gandhi is aware that the Delhi results will spell disaster for Congress, hence he is preemptively crafting his narrative."

He further criticized Gandhi, asserting, "Until Rahul Gandhi engages in genuine self-reflection and stops disseminating misleading statements, a revival for Congress is unattainable."

These comments followed Gandhi's press conference in Delhi, where he, accompanied by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, questioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) about the discrepancy of 9.7 crore votes cast versus Maharashtra's adult population of 9.4 crore. Gandhi clarified that the opposition was merely seeking transparency in the voter lists rather than making accusations.

However, these remarks were met with significant backlash from the ruling BJP and its allies.

Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party leader Shrikant Shinde demanded a public apology from Rahul Gandhi, stating, "He must apologize not just to Maharashtra but to the entire nation for his reckless comments. He should embrace the voters' decision with humility rather than repeatedly attempting to undermine India's electoral integrity for temporary political gains."

Shinde added, "Maharashtra experienced its highest voter turnout in 30 years, showcasing the strength of our democracy. Full credit should be given to the Election Commission and Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer for ensuring a fair election process."

Mumbai BJP chief and state IT Minister Ashish Shelar accused Rahul Gandhi of engaging in "public melodrama" instead of contemplating Congress' defeat. "Rahul Gandhi and the Congress are still grappling with Maharashtra's rejection," he stated.

Maharashtra BJP president and state Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule echoed similar views, saying, "The Congress and its allies have not yet recovered from their crushing defeat. Rather than accepting the people's verdict, they are casting doubt on voter turnout. The Election Commission has consistently clarified the increase in voters, yet they persist in making misleading allegations, which undermines democracy."

Bawankule also connected Gandhi's statements to the imminent Delhi Assembly election results, claiming, "As defeat approaches, he is attempting to shift attention to Maharashtra’s electoral process. This is pure desperation."

In a further jab, he commented, "Supriya Sule, who sat beside him during the press conference, had previously stated, 'I won on this EVM.' But Rahul Gandhi, who thrives on political theatrics, refuses to acknowledge reality. Rahulji, embrace democracy -- stop tarnishing it with unfounded allegations. The public has already seen through your deceptions."

NCP chief spokesperson Anand Paranjape also dismissed Gandhi's claims, attributing them to Congress' anxiety over an impending defeat in Delhi.

"Since the Census has not been conducted yet, discrepancies between the population and voter lists are to be expected. Additionally, the rise in voter numbers between Lok Sabha and Assembly elections is normal, as all parties encourage new voter registrations. The Election Commission has also increased polling stations, which further accounts for the heightened voter turnout," he explained.