Why is Kiren Rijiju Criticizing Rahul Gandhi's Attacks on Institutions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kiren Rijiju defends constitutional institutions against political attacks.
- The Election Commission is accused of bias by the Congress party.
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a standard practice.
- Political criticism can undermine public trust in institutions.
- Parliamentary decorum is essential for democratic processes.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday criticized the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for allegedly undermining key constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission of India and the Supreme Court when outcomes do not align with their expectations.
During a press briefing in the national capital, Rijiju dismissed the Congress party’s allegations regarding the Election Commission and its supposed voter list manipulation as 'false' and politically driven.
“The assertions made by Rahul Gandhi and his associates are unfounded. They are attacking the Election Commission to damage its reputation,” Rijiju remarked.
He highlighted that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a customary process, historically established, not a recent or political maneuver. “SIR has been conducted numerous times since independence. For instance, during the time when the Congress party and its allies secured the majority of Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, they praised the same electoral rolls. However, after losing in the Assembly elections, the same rolls suddenly became problematic,” Rijiju stated.
He also condemned Priyanka Gandhi's recent comments implying that the judiciary should not determine who is considered a 'real Indian.' Rijiju countered, stating, “If the Supreme Court cannot manage the conduct of citizens, then who can? Just yesterday, they criticized the judiciary, and today, Rahul Gandhi is targeting the Election Commission. Whenever it doesn't fit their narrative, they attack these institutions.”
The minister expressed concern regarding Congress disrupting the proceedings in Parliament. “I urge them to allow Parliament to function smoothly. The focus of the House should not be diverted,” he mentioned.
Rijiju emphasized that issues currently before the court cannot be debated in Parliament and reiterated that the voter list revision is an autonomous process overseen by the Election Commission, independent of government influence.