'Won Through Theft': Ajay Rai Alleges Malpractice in PM Modi's Varanasi Victory
Congress leader Ajay Rai accuses PM Modi of winning the Varanasi seat through malpractice and questions the Election Commission's role in 2024.
In a scathing attack on the ruling establishment, Congress leader and former Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of securing the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat through alleged electoral malpractice and the blatant misuse of administrative machinery. Rai did not stop there, raising serious questions about the integrity of the Election Commission during the 2024 general elections.
A Heated Political Exchange
The controversy erupted following a challenge issued by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Singh had dared Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to prove his electoral strength by winning an election without the support of the Samajwadi Party (SP). Rai, responding to these remarks, suggested that the Defence Minister should instead address the circumstances surrounding the Prime Minister's own victory in Varanasi, where PM Modi was elected for a third consecutive term.
Addressing the claim regarding Rahul Gandhi's dependence on allies, Rai pointed toward the Raebareli constituency. He noted that Sonia Gandhi served as the MP from 2019 to 2024, and Rahul Gandhi has since taken over the seat, highlighting the Congress's independent strength in that region.
Allegations of 'Theft' and 'Miracles'
Rai turned the heat back on the BJP, alleging that the Varanasi seat was won through "theft and malpractice," claiming the Prime Minister relied on the "crutches" of allied parties. The Congress leader specifically pointed to the counting process of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as a point of suspicion.
According to Rai, the Prime Minister was trailing for the first seven rounds of counting. He alleged a suspicious gap in communication from the electoral body, stating:
"The Election Commission stopped providing election updates after 12 PM, only to declare at 7 PM that he had won. The entire nation wants to know what kind of 'miracle' led to PM Modi's victory."
Questioning the Prime Minister's Courage
Taking the battle to social media, Ajay Rai directly challenged the Prime Minister's political standing. He questioned whether the Prime Minister possesses the courage to contest an election independently, without the assistance of alliance partners or the influence of the administrative machinery.
Rai further accused the BJP of engaging in "horse-trading politics" and claimed that the party is becoming increasingly dependent on its allies to maintain power.
Looking Ahead
The Congress leader asserted that the people of Varanasi would provide their own answer in future elections. This latest clash marks a deepening divide between the BJP and Congress over the legitimacy of electoral victories and the role of strategic alliances in Indian politics.