 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 15: BJP Spokesperson and Convener, International Affairs, Gaurav Gupta on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, stating that the party's allegations of "vote chori" are nothing but a desperate attempt to mislead the nation and cover up its own dark history of electoral manipulation.
In a strong statement, Gupta said the Congress' Delhi rally had nothing to do with electoral reforms or protecting democracy. Instead, it was aimed at creating confusion, shielding illegal infiltrators such as Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, and diverting attention from the hard facts exposed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament.
Gupta said Amit Shah had comprehensively dismantled the Congress narrative by reminding the country that vote chori is deeply rooted in the Congress' political culture. He recalled that India witnessed the first betrayal of democratic norms when Jawaharlal Nehru became Prime Minister despite losing the internal vote to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, calling it an early example of how the Congress disregarded democratic processes. He further pointed out that in 1975, Indira Gandhi's election from Rae Bareli was set aside by the Allahabad High Court due to electoral malpractices, after which the Congress chose to crush institutions, amend laws to protect the Prime Minister, and impose the Emergency rather than respect the Constitution.
Referring to the present era, Gupta said even today serious questions remain unanswered, with a case pending in a Delhi court regarding whether Sonia Gandhi was registered as a voter even before acquiring Indian citizenship. "When someone who is not eligible still becomes a voter, that is the most blatant form of vote chori," he said, echoing the Home Minister's remarks.
Gupta accused the Congress of repeatedly attacking constitutional institutions to escape accountability after suffering electoral defeats. "First they blamed EVMs, then they targeted the SIR process, and tomorrow they will blame the people of India. Congress never introspects; it only looks for excuses," he said.
Defending the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, Gupta said the process has strengthened democracy wherever it has been implemented. Citing Bihar as an example, he said more than one crore voters supported the SIR process and the state witnessed a record turnout after its completion. "Instead of spreading lies, the Opposition should learn from this success," he added.
Gupta also dared Rahul Gandhi to approach the courts if he believed there were irregularities in the Bihar Assembly elections. "If Congress truly believed in democracy, it would seek legal remedies instead of staging street protests," he said.
Questioning the impact of the rally, Gupta dismissed Congress claims of large attendance, pointing out that Ramlila Maidan has limited capacity and is chosen more for its symbolism than for public support. He concluded by stating that India's democracy is strong and resilient, and that the Congress will not succeed in misleading the people or defaming constitutional institutions through political theatrics.
"The truth is clear," Gupta said. "If there is any real 'vote chor' in this country, it is the Congress." |
