Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the West Bengal election outcome, alleging widespread voter suppression, deletion of voter names, and misuse of state machinery. Gehlot described the situation as "unprecedented and condemnable", questioning the legitimacy of the mandate secured by the BJP in the state.

Gehlot's Core Allegations

Addressing party workers in Jaipur, Gehlot alleged that lakhs of valid voters in West Bengal were denied the right to cast their ballots in their own birthplace. He claimed that Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) armoured vehicles were deployed on streets to intimidate voters, money was distributed openly, and names of eligible voters were deleted from the voter list through what he referred to as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

"What could be a bigger democratic crime than the fact that lakhs of residents of West Bengal could not cast their votes in their own birthplace? This victory has been achieved solely through the might of state power. It is a victory for the BJP and its ally, the Election Commission," Gehlot said.

Notably, these are allegations made by a political leader and have not been independently verified. The BJP and the Election Commission of India (ECI) have not yet responded publicly to these specific claims.

Congress Workers Urged to Renew Resolve

Acknowledging disappointing results in West Bengal and two other states, Gehlot urged Congress cadres across the country, including in Rajasthan, to take a pledge of renewed effort. He maintained that electoral setbacks would not deter the party.

"The results in three states, including Bengal, are disappointing, but we will not be discouraged. Today, all Congress workers across the country, including Rajasthan, should take a pledge, immerse themselves in hard work, and move forward with that resolve," he said.

Gehlot also stated that the Congress remains indispensable to the preservation of democratic values in India. "We all Congress workers are fighting the battle to save democracy. This country needs the Congress, and only the Congress can save the democracy of this country," he added.

What the Congress Said About Bengal's Political Shift

Gehlot also cited remarks by Congress leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, acknowledging that the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government's perceived shortcomings had created an opening for the BJP in Bengal. "Rahul Gandhi rightly said that allegations were raised against the Trinamool Congress government from time to time, and its shortcomings gave the BJP an opportunity to enter; now the BJP has seized power there," Gehlot said.

This marks a notable moment — the Congress simultaneously criticising the BJP for alleged electoral malpractice while also conceding that the TMC's governance failures contributed to the political shift in the state.

UDF Victory in Kerala Celebrated

In contrast to the Bengal outcome, Gehlot extended congratulations to the United Democratic Front (UDF) for its electoral performance in Kerala, describing it as a victory for secular values and welfare-oriented governance.

"Heartfelt gratitude to the voters of Kerala for the victory of the United Democratic Front (UDF), and congratulations and best wishes to all the leaders and workers of the alliance," he said. He credited the leadership of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Wayanad MP and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi for the UDF's success.

As the Congress takes stock of a mixed electoral cycle — a win in Kerala against losses elsewhere — the party's ability to convert Gehlot's rhetoric into organisational momentum across states will be closely watched in the months ahead.