Is Rahul Gandhi Exhibiting Indira Gandhi's Emergency Mentality?

Bengaluru, Sep 20 (NationPress) BJP's national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla asserted that the allegations regarding 'Vote Chori' are not an attack on Rahul Gandhi by the Election Commission, but rather an indication of his Emergency mindset inherited from Indira Gandhi.

During a press briefing at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru on Saturday, he addressed queries from the media. He reminded attendees of a statement made by one of Indira Gandhi's close associates: 'Indira is India, India is Indira.' He criticized the Gandhi family for prioritizing dynasty politics over democratic principles and the Constitution.

Poonawalla noted that whenever Rahul Gandhi faces electoral defeat, he tends to blame the Election Commission, and similarly questions the judiciary when he loses a court case. He pointed out that his team had no complaints in Telangana, where they were successful, nor in Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir. However, after losing in Maharashtra, he approached the Supreme Court. In the Aland constituency situation in Karnataka, it was clarified that voters' names cannot be removed online, he added.

While discussing vote theft claims, Poonawalla urged Rahul Gandhi to also address the recent disqualification of Karnataka Congress MLA K.Y. Nanjegowda by the High Court. He highlighted a viral clip of Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who was heard saying 'katakat, katakat' (vote continuously). He challenged Rahul Gandhi to examine Parameshwara’s video, along with clips of Shashi Tharoor and Kirti Azad.

Poonawalla reminded attendees that Indira Gandhi was herself convicted of electoral fraud, labeling the Gandhi family as 'great thieves' and stating that they should first reflect on the issues within their own ranks.

In response to questions about Congress's internal conflicts, he mentioned that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had once sung 'Namaste Sada Vatsale' but was later compelled to apologize. Currently, some leaders are seen participating in ABVP events to express dissent against Rahul Gandhi, indicating that the 'darbar-style' party is on the verge of a crisis.

On another note, Poonawalla criticized Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about vote theft during the Vice-Presidential election, considering them an insult to the Vice Presidents elected from Tamil Nadu and the residents of that state.

Present at the event were BJP state general secretary and MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, Legislative Council chief whip N. Ravikumar, former MP Muniswamy, Bengaluru South district president and MLA C.K. Ramamurthy, state spokesperson Surabhi Hodigere, state economic cell convener Prashanth G.S., and state media convener Karunakar Khasale.

During an event at Silicon City College on Saturday, Poonawalla praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making India self-reliant in COVID-19 vaccine production.

The BJP spokesperson also expressed serious concern regarding the pothole-ridden roads in Bengaluru and noted that Metro expansion is underway in 25 cities.

In an interactive session, he stated that the number of airports has markedly increased under the BJP-NDA government and encouraged voters to support a better Bengaluru and a greater Karnataka in the 2028 elections.

Poonawalla added that entrepreneurs are now more confident about operating within the GST framework, as it has become more user-friendly, benefiting business owners.

Attendees included Silicon City College chairman Chandrashekar, state media convener Karunakar Khasale, BJP panellist Sharath Hegde, ABVP member Trishul Reddy, and BJP spokespersons Akshay Rai and Surabhi Hodigere.