Is Rahul Gandhi's Fight for Democracy Justified? Pappu Yadav Responds to ECI Allegations

New Delhi, Sep 19 (NationPress) Purnia MP Pappu Yadav expressed strong backing for the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding his accusations against the Election Commission of India (ECI). He emphasized that the Congress leader is standing up to defend the Constitution, uphold democracy, and protect the voting rights of ordinary citizens.

In an interview with IANS, Pappu Yadav stated, "Rahul Gandhi is vocal for the common populace to preserve the Constitution, guarantee voting rights, and champion democracy. He has clearly pointed out how the Election Commission is enabling voter suppression through various tactics."

Addressing specific issues, the MP accused, “In one Assembly constituency, over 6,000 names were eliminated from the voter registry. This is not merely about Rahul Gandhi; his party governs in Karnataka, but it’s about safeguarding democratic institutions. The trend of voter manipulation by the ECI is alarming. The CID persistently seeks proof from the ECI, yet they remain unresponsive.”

Pappu Yadav further criticized the ECI, asserting, "This is not about being pro-BJP or pro-RSS. The concern lies with the Election Commissioner’s position, which is anti-Constitution, anti-Dalit, anti-OBC, anti-minority, and ultimately anti-national. Such individuals should not hold office, even for a moment."

When questioned about the Congress' absence from RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s 'Bihar Adhikar Yatra', Yadav defended the party’s choice, stating, “The Congress has its own strategy, centered around five guarantees. Under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, we initiated the 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' that mobilized ordinary citizens. Every party has its own manifesto; we don’t need to invite Tejashwi Yadav to the CWC.”

In response to spiritual leader Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s suggestion to sing the national anthem weekly in all places of worship, Yadav remarked, "These market-driven, ignorant individuals like Dhirendra lack comprehension of spirituality, Sanatan Dharma, science, or Indian culture. No one takes him seriously. Such anti-national elements should be sent to Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Nepal, where democracy needs protection and Sanatan Dharma must be preserved."

Earlier, in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, Pandit Dhirendra Shastri stated, “It is crucial for Rashtra and Ram to progress together. Every Indian has a duty to demonstrate patriotism. We believe that the National Anthem should be sung in India’s temples, churches, mosques, and shrines at least once a week to maintain unity and keep patriotism alive in our hearts.”