Did Sambit Patra Just Expose Rahul Gandhi's Threats?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sambit Patra challenges Rahul Gandhi on his allegations.
- Gandhi's selective outrage over elections questioned.
- Importance of respecting democratic institutions emphasized.
- Patra's remarks highlight the complexities of political accountability.
- Calls for maintaining integrity in the electoral process.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra firmly countered the accusations made by Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who alleged that the Election Commission was in collusion with the BJP.
Patra criticized Gandhi's statement, particularly one where he warned, "If there is no response to my press conference, there will be serious consequences."
During a press briefing, Patra stated, "Today we witnessed Rahul Gandhi's press conference, and this is not the first time he has attacked a constitutional body. He has previously questioned the integrity of elections in Maharashtra and Karnataka."
Patra emphasized that Gandhi and the Congress party only cast doubt on elections in states where they face defeat.
"They have never held a press conference in states they have won. This selective indignation - 'Sweet when we win, bitter when we lose' - does not escape public notice. When they triumph in Himachal Pradesh or Telangana, there are no grievances. Yet, following the Lok Sabha elections, where Congress secured 99 seats, they celebrated as if it were a monumental win. If, as Rahul claims, democracy is dead, and the Election Commission is compromised, then what are they celebrating?" he questioned.
Taking issue with Rahul Gandhi's comments, Patra remarked, "Victories and defeats are inherent in democracy. No party has spent as much time in opposition as the Jan Sangh and the BJP. Yet, we have never threatened any Election Commission official. Today, Rahul said, ‘If there is no response to my press conference, there will be serious consequences.’ What does that imply? Is this a threat? What sort of leader makes such statements yet lacks the confidence to assert that his party will govern?"
Patra further accused Gandhi of making veiled threats, alleging that should Congress regain power, they would take punitive actions against officials, regardless of their positions.
Responding to Gandhi's claims of electoral malfeasance in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Patra stated, "Rahul Gandhi made serious allegations, yet when a proxy petition was filed in the Bombay High Court, it was dismissed. Moreover, the court reprimanded the petitioners. Rahul conducts press conferences and files lawsuits, but never finds the time to approach the Election Commission."
Mocking another of Gandhi's remarks - "My words are my rule" - Patra sarcastically commented, "Is he Baahubali? Is he reciting film dialogues? This nation is governed by the Constitution, not by personal declarations."
Patra concluded by reaffirming that the BJP upholds fair democratic practices and respects constitutional institutions - a standard he claims Congress frequently disregards when the electoral outcomes are unfavorable.