Athawale Slams Rahul Gandhi Over EC Protest
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale criticizes Rahul Gandhi for misleading people and maligning the Election Commission during the INDIA Bloc protest.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has launched a sharp attack on Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of attempting to mislead the public and undermine the credibility of the Election Commission (EC).
Criticism Over 'Maligning' Poll Panel
Speaking in New Delhi on Tuesday, Athawale expressed strong disapproval of the recent demonstrations led by the INDIA Bloc. He specifically targeted Rahul Gandhi's role in the protests, suggesting that such actions are detrimental to national stability.
"I feel it is not right for Rahul Gandhi to mislead people," Athawale stated. "It is not right for Rahul Gandhi to spread anarchy in the country by staging such protests, nor is it right to malign the Election Commission."
The Minister further emphasized that the integrity of the electoral process should remain above political maneuvering, stating, "I feel there should be no politics over this issue."
Massive Protests and Detentions in Delhi
The Minister's remarks follow a day of high political drama in the national capital. Leaders and Members of Parliament from the INDIA Bloc conducted a march from the Parliament area toward the Election Commission headquarters. The demonstration was aimed at demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
The opposition's grievances are centered on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Key demands from the INDIA Bloc include:
- The immediate resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
- The scrapping of the current SIR exercise.
- The restoration of names that have allegedly been deleted from electoral rolls.
- Addressing concerns regarding changes to voter-related forms and the general functioning of the Commission.
Clashes at Barricades
The march faced significant resistance from law enforcement, with police barricades stopping the protesters' advance. This led to further demonstrations near the Akashvani Bhawan area. During the chaotic scenes, Rahul Gandhi was seen climbing a police barricade as the protest intensified.
The demonstration resulted in the detention of several prominent opposition figures, including:
- Rahul Gandhi
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
- Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party Chief)
- Various leaders from the Trinamool Congress
The Election Commission's Stance
While the opposition alleges irregularities in the electoral roll revision process, the Election Commission has remained firm in its position. The poll panel has rejected all allegations of wrongdoing, maintaining that the Special Intensive Revision is being conducted strictly within the prescribed legal and electoral framework.