NATIONAL: Rahul’s Fiery EC Warning in Parliament
Rahul Gandhi, a key Congress leader, unleashed a sharp critique in the Lok Sabha against the BJP-led government’s handling of electoral reforms.
He accused the Centre of undermining the Election Commission’s independence by tweaking laws to shield its chief election commissioner from accountability.
Gandhi claimed this setup lets the EC dodge penalties for deliberate errors, eroding democratic foundations.
Probing the Centre on Key Reforms
Gandhi posed three direct questions to the government. First, why is the EC’s autonomy fading, and will steps restore its independence?
Second, amid voter list tampering complaints across states, what measures prevent manipulation?
Third, why do EC appointments and rulings align with political agendas, and is the government ready for transparent changes?
Claims of Vote Theft and Schedule Bias
He alleged the EC tailors election schedules to favor the BJP and questioned a rule allowing CCTV footage destruction 45 days post-polling.
Gandhi highlighted ignored evidence of vote rigging, including a bizarre case in Haryana where one voter list showed 23 votes for a single person. Despite public outcry, the EC has offered no response.
Broader Attack on Institutional Control
Gandhi vented frustration at the RSS, saying it is steadily capturing vital institutions nationwide.
He portrayed this as a pattern of dominance over bodies meant to stay neutral, fueling concerns about fair governance.