Rahul Gandhi’s statement on a “compromised” Election Commission during his recent US visit has ignited a fresh wave of political conflict in India. The BJP has come down hard, accusing the Congress MP of tarnishing India’s global image. Meanwhile, Congress is standing firm, arguing the ruling party cannot conveniently label every criticism as ‘defamation’.
The Spark: Rahul Gandhi’s Boston Remarks
While addressing the Indian diaspora in Boston, Rahul Gandhi voiced serious concerns over the integrity of India’s electoral system.
What he said:
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He referred to the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, claiming “more people voted than the total number of people in the state.”
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He cited voter turnout numbers allegedly jumping by 65 lakh in just a couple of hours.
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“This is physically impossible,” Gandhi said, concluding, “It is very clear to us that the Election Commission is compromised.”
BJP Hits Back: “Defaming India Abroad Again”
The BJP’s response was swift and scathing. Party leaders launched a coordinated attack accusing Rahul Gandhi of:
| BJP Leader | Statement/Accusation |
|---|---|
| Shehzad Poonawalla | Claimed Gandhi is trying to “humiliate the country on foreign soil”. |
| Pradeep Bhandari | Labeled him an “agent of George Soros”, linking him to alleged anti-India propaganda. |
| Sambit Patra | Called it “an old habit” of Gandhi to insult Indian institutions while abroad. |
The BJP argues that Gandhi’s actions not only question domestic institutions but also damage India’s democratic image globally.
Maharashtra Voter Turnout: Fraud or Misunderstanding?
At the core of Gandhi’s criticism is the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election, where:
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The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition swept 235 out of 288 seats.
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This came after the same alliance had performed poorly in the Lok Sabha polls (17 of 48 seats).
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Congress alleged that 60–70 lakh new voters mysteriously appeared before the vote.
However, the Election Commission responded:
“This was a normal increase due to new voter registrations, which is routine before every state election.”
National Herald Case Enters the Chat
The BJP linked Gandhi’s remarks to a larger strategy by Congress to divert public attention from the ongoing National Herald case, in which:
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Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and other Congress leaders face money laundering charges.
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The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet, with a court hearing expected soon.
BJP alleges the Congress is attempting to stir unrest to overshadow legal proceedings.
Déjà Vu? Gandhi’s Second Controversial US Visit
This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi has made headlines during a US tour.
During his September 2024 visit, he met with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, which drew criticism from BJP’s IT cell chief, Amit Malviya.
Malviya labeled Omar as a “Pak-sponsored anti-India voice and radical Islamist.”
He further remarked, “Even Pak leaders would be more careful than being seen with such elements.”
FAQs
1. Why did the BJP call Rahul Gandhi a “traitor”?
Because they believe his comments in foreign countries, especially against Indian institutions, harm the country’s global reputation.
2. What exactly did Rahul Gandhi say about the Election Commission?
He questioned its credibility, claiming that a suspicious spike in voter numbers in Maharashtra was “physically impossible” and suggested that the EC is “compromised.”
3. Has the Election Commission responded to these allegations?
Yes, the EC clarified that the voter increase was normal due to pre-election registration drives, a common practice before all elections.
4. What is the National Herald case mentioned in the BJP’s response?
It involves allegations of money laundering by Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, which is currently under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate.
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