SIR row: What's basis of Rahul Gandhi's allegations, asks BJP
BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi challenged Rahul Gandhi's claims about the Election Commission's functioning and decision-making processes. Trivedi questioned Gandhi's reliance on unverified media reports without substantial evidence. He also highlighted Congress's historical electoral failures in various states to argue transparency in elections has affected their performance. Additionally, Trivedi called for clarification on the involvement of opposition leaders in the selection of chief electoral officers.
New Delhi: BJP on Thursday hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations against the Election Commission of India, questioning the basis of his claims and accusing him of relying on unsubstantiated media reports to question the poll panel's functioning.BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said Gandhi had failed to provide evidence that decisions of ECI were not unanimous or that any of the three election commissioners had raised objections.
Do you have even a single report indicating that a decision was not unanimous? No. Is there even one press conference where all three commissioners were not present? No. So, what is the basis for this claim? Trivedi said.Also Read | Rahul Gandhi alleges '100% rigging' in Indian elections, calls ECI and BJP 'destroyers of democracy'He said while media reports were part of public discourse, allegations could not be treated as established facts without responses from the persons concerned.
There is no quote from any election commissioner, no response, not even an off-the-record response cited. Then what is the basis for it? he asked.Trivedi also challenged the Congress and Opposition parties on appointment of chief electoral officers: Tell us - in how many states is the leader of the Opposition involved in the selection process? In how many states is the chief justice involved? Yes or no? Also Read | SIR row: CJP threatens protests if CEC Gyanesh Kumar does not resign in 48 hoursThe BJP spokesperson also sought to counter Gandhi's broader argument on electoral institutions and anti-incumbency, accusing him of lacking an understanding of Indian political history.
He cited Congress' prolonged absence from power in several states, saying the party had not returned to power in Tamil Nadu since 1967, West Bengal since 1977, Bihar since 1990, Uttar Pradesh since 1989 and Odisha since 1999. Trivedi said Congress' electoral fortunes had changed as elections became more transparent, with greater scrutiny through independent media and technology. Ever since transparent elections have taken place, CCTV cameras have come in and independent media has arrived, they have started finding it difficult to come to power, he said.