Congress-led opposition parties hit back at the Election Commission on Sunday, over its appeal to authenticate their “vote chori” claims by filing a supporting affidavit and also termed its elaborate media address on the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy a mere eyewash.
Replying to the CEC’s presser, Congress accused it of being partisan towards the ruling party, while the RJD said that its clarification was devoid of any substance.
Congress leader Pawan Khera, in a strong rebuttal, said: “Stealing is not considered a sin, but calling someone a thief is? Stop the theft, and we will stop calling you thieves. Why hasn’t anyone given an account of one lakh votes from Mahadevapura?”
Further accusing it breach of privacy, he said: “(BJP leader) Anurag Thakur is carrying digital voter lists of six constituencies—where did he get them from? Isn’t that a breach of privacy? Did the Election Commission issue him a notice? No. But when it comes to CCTV footage, you say it violates privacy…”
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said: “No answers were given. Not a single question was answered. Maybe someone told them to hold the press conference because it was becoming embarrassing. So, they went ahead, but what was achieved? Which question did they actually answer? Forget the political parties—the voters are not convinced by your behaviour and conduct.”
“Logic cannot be used to justify opacity. Opacity means lack of transparency. The biggest concern is that the Election Commission appears neither impartial nor neutral. This should be a matter of serious concern for you.”
Rahul hits back at EC
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday hit out at the Election Commission of India, alleging the Modi government passed a 2023 law to prevent action against the poll body as it is “helping” the BJP and “indulging in vote chori” with them.
Addressing a gathering at Aurangabad at the end of the first day of his Voter Adhikar Yatra, Gandhi also said while he was asked to submit an affidavit after his press conference exposing “vote chori,” no such demand was made from BJP leaders who made similar claims in their presser.
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha also alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar was a way to steal votes of the people of the state.