New Delhi– The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, demanding his resignation from the Lok Sabha “on moral grounds” if he does not have faith in the Election Commission (EC). BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia accused Gandhi of making baseless allegations and refusing to submit proof or a written declaration to substantiate his “vote theft” claim.
Bhatia also called on Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to resign from the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, respectively, if they too lack trust in the poll body. “You make baseless allegations before the media and then refuse to provide evidence when the constitutional body asks for it,” Bhatia said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters.
Citing past Supreme Court observations, Bhatia noted that the apex court had acknowledged the Election Commission’s reputation as an impartial and credible institution. “Rahul Gandhi, if you don’t trust the Election Commission and the observations of the Supreme Court, resign first. Priyanka Gandhi, you also resign. Sonia Gandhi, resign at least on moral grounds,” he added.
The BJP leader further demanded that chief ministers of Congress-ruled Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh should step down, claiming their party’s leadership had shown no faith in the EC.
Rahul Gandhi, addressing the Vote Adhikar Rally in Bengaluru on Friday, had responded to the EC’s demand for an affidavit under oath by asserting that he had already taken an oath on the Constitution in Parliament. He also urged the Karnataka government to investigate the inclusion of fake voters during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Bhatia dismissed Gandhi’s allegations as false, branding him “Rahul aka ‘arajak tatva’” (anarchic element) and “Rahul aka ‘vidhwansak’” (destroyer), accusing him of attempting to undermine the Constitution and Indian democracy. He further labelled the Leader of Opposition “immature” and accused him of waging a war against constitutional institutions by intimidating EC officials.
