Kangra. Himachal Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party MP and former Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has launched a scathing political attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He accused Congress of weakening the credibility of the country’s democratic system and constitutional institutions. Anurag Thakur said that the Congress, which was in power in the country for a long time, is today creating confusion among the public by raising questions on the electoral process and constitutional institutions. He also responded to Rahul Gandhi’s election-related allegations, saying that in a democracy the opposition has the right to raise questions, but evidence should also be presented in support of the allegations. While talking to journalists in Kangra on Wednesday, Anurag Thakur criticized the political attitude of the Congress. He said that the country’s constitution and democratic institutions are India’s biggest strengths. No political party should continuously question the impartiality of institutions responsible for its electoral failures. Anurag Thakur alleged that the Congress leadership accepts the democratic process when election results are in its favour, but after adverse results, it starts raising questions on the credibility of the Election Commission and electronic voting machines. He said that this kind of politics creates unnecessary confusion among the voters.
Question to Rahul Gandhi on 2024 Lok Sabha elections
Anurag Thakur also targeted Rahul Gandhi’s allegations regarding the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He raised the question that if the Congress leadership finds serious irregularities in the electoral process, then the party should put forward concrete facts in support of its allegations. Referring to Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other elected representatives of the Congress, he said that if they consider the entire election wrong, then they should also clarify their position regarding the validity of their elected posts. This statement of the BJP MP has come amid the questions being raised by the Congress regarding the electoral process and voter lists. However, the facts related between Congress’s allegations and BJP’s reply can be examined only through the Election Commission and competent judicial institutions.
Accusations against Congress regarding constitutional institutions
Anurag Thakur alleged that the attitude of some Congress leaders has been confrontational towards constitutional institutions. He said that it is the responsibility of all political parties to maintain the dignity of institutions like the Election Commission, Judiciary and Parliament. According to him, in a democracy, it is the right of the opposition to criticize the government and question its policies. But allegations that create distrust towards institutions should be viewed seriously. Anurag Thakur has earlier also accused Rahul Gandhi of creating a political environment against constitutional institutions. In October, he had criticized the Election Commission and the Congress on the issue of Special Intensive Revision of Voter List or SIR. The BJP MP claimed that the opposition adopts different criteria for election results. He said that disagreement can be expressed on the decisions of democratic institutions, but for that it is necessary to follow the prescribed constitutional and legal procedures.
Also raised the issue of 1984 anti-Sikh riots
While attacking Congress, Anurag Thakur also mentioned the anti-Sikh riots of November 1984. He demanded Congress to accept accountability for this historical incident and apologize to the Sikh community. He said that the country has not forgotten the violence of 1984. The BJP MP questioned the Congress’s comments regarding democracy and constitutional values and cited the party’s old political history. His statement has come at a time when the political activities of the Congress are intense in Punjab and Rahul Gandhi is criticizing the policies of the BJP and the Central Government through various public meetings. Anurag Thakur questioned the Congress that its leaders who talk about protecting democracy should also take a clear stand on the controversial developments of their rule.
Political conflict also on the issue of voter list
The process of review and special intensive vetting of voter lists by the Election Commission has also remained a major subject of political controversy between the BJP and the Congress. Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders have raised questions over alleged irregularities in the voter lists. At the same time, BJP says that keeping the voter list accurate and updated is an essential part of the electoral system. Anurag Thakur in recent statements alleged that Congress is trying to divert attention from its political weaknesses by creating doubt on the electoral process. However, disputes related to addition or deletion of names in voter lists should be resolved on the basis of Election Commission rules and available appeal procedures. Wrongful deletion of a voter’s name is a serious matter and an impartial investigation is necessary in such cases.
Conflict increased in Himachal politics also
Congress is in power in Himachal Pradesh, while BJP is active as the main opposition party. There has been a continuous exchange of statements between the two parties regarding development works, administrative decisions, economic situation and political issues. Anurag Thakur’s latest statement is also being linked to BJP’s aggressive strategy against Congress in state and national politics. While BJP is accusing the Congress leadership of targeting constitutional institutions, Congress is accusing the Congress of targeting constitutional institutions.
Political tussle over constitutional institutions; Anurag Thakur targets Rahul Gandhi
