Parliamentary Speaker cautions Opposition legislators about potential consequences as they demonstrate against Election Commission of India
In a recent development, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has levelled allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing them of being involved in a massive "vote theft" linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Gandhi has alleged widespread irregularities in the process, suggesting that it is designed to benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The ECI has responded to these claims, challenging Gandhi to submit sworn evidence backing his allegations as per Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The commission has publicly reiterated this challenge on its social media platforms, warning against misleading citizens if the claims are not credible.
The Opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, has rallied behind these allegations, with the Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav dismissing the idea of an apology from the Opposition. Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera has questioned the ECI's response to one lakh voters exposed in Mahadevapura.
The BJP, on the other hand, has strongly rejected Gandhi's allegations, accusing him of having an "Emergency mindset" and wanting power at any cost. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has emphasized that the SIR exercise is necessary to cleanse voter rolls and has criticized Gandhi’s charges as attempts to mislead voters.
The controversy comes amid an escalating row over the ECI's functioning, with the latest conspiracy, according to Gandhi, being to conduct SIR in Bihar and steal the Bihar elections as well. The Opposition INDIA bloc is considering moving an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner.
During the protests, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla intervened with a stern message to protesting MPs, urging them not to damage public property. However, despite loud sloganeering from the Opposition benches, Speaker Birla pressed ahead with Question Hour.
The uproar in Parliament is not isolated, as similar actions have been taken against members in several state assemblies for such behavior. The controversy currently centers on electoral roll revisions, accusations of voter list fraud, and demands for evidence against the ECI by opposition leaders.
[1] The Hindu
[2] NDTV
[3] The Indian Express
[4] The Times of India
[5] Business Standard
- The allegations of vote theft by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi against the Election Commission of India (ECI) are dominating general news, with multiple news outlets like The Hindu, NDTV, The Indian Express, The Times of India, and Business Standard reporting on the issue.
- As the controversy between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls intensifies, policy-and-legislation debates and political discussions are at the forefront.
- Amidst the discourse on government matters, the criminal justice system has been increasingly involved, as the opposition considers moving an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner due to accusations of voter list fraud.
- Meanwhile, in the realm of crime-and-justice, the opposition's protests in Parliament, led by Rahul Gandhi, have resulted in stern warnings from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against damaging public property. This incident is one of several instances in which members of various state assemblies have been admonished for such behavior.
