The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has directed a pointed critique at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the ongoing protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission of India (ECI). During a press conference on Tuesday, Union minister Piyush Goyal accused the Congress of hypocrisy, referencing the party’s historical actions in the political arena.

Goyal described Gandhi as a ‘red flag’ for his party, suggesting that his behaviour undermines democratic principles. Goyal expressed concerns about Gandhi’s alleged double standards, asserting that the Congress leader’s recent actions contradict the values enshrined in the Constitution.

He stated, “For the past few days, we have been seeing the conduct and double standards of Rahul Gandhi, seeing his childish actions which demolish every aspect of the Constitution.” Goyal further questioned the Congress’s objections to the electoral roll revision, highlighting the party’s inconsistent stance on electoral integrity.

BJP’s Bribery Allegations Against Congress

In defence of the government amid the controversy surrounding the Chief Election Commissioner, Goyal claimed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has ensured the independence of the Election Commission. He emphasised that no political positions have been offered to election commissioners in exchange for their services, contrasting this with the Congress’s alleged past actions.

Goyal specifically cited instances where former chief election commissioners were appointed to political roles after their tenures, mentioning TN Seshan and MS Gill. He pointed out that Seshan contested the 1999 Lok Sabha elections on a Congress ticket against BJP veteran LK Advani, questioning whether this was a form of rewarding a former election commissioner. Goyal also raised concerns about the Padma Vibhushan award conferred on Gill in 2000.

Meanwhile, he was still serving as Chief Election Commissioner, suggesting it could be perceived as an inducement. Additionally, Goyal highlighted the new law introduced by the Modi government in 2023, which governs the appointment of election commissioners. This law establishes a selection committee comprising the prime minister, a Union cabinet minister nominated by the prime minister, and the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, aiming to enhance the transparency of the appointment process.

Opposition’s Response to Electoral Roll Revision

The BJP’s statements come in the context of ongoing protests by the Congress and other parties within the INDIA bloc, who have raised concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. These parties argue that the revision process poses threats to electoral rights and the integrity of voter lists. Goyal questioned why the Congress did not voice similar objections during previous electoral roll revisions in states such as Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

He further challenged the Congress’s stance on the removal of duplicate voter entries, referencing public comments made by senior Congress leaders regarding the existence of duplicate names on electoral rolls. Goyal posited that if the Congress believes the elections are rigged and the Election Commission is not functioning properly, then Congress chief ministers in states governed by the party should consider resigning.

The ongoing exchange between the BJP and Congress reflects the heightened political tensions as India approaches upcoming elections, with both parties vying for public support amidst allegations and counter-allegations regarding electoral integrity.

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