"Where is he hiding?": Priyank Kharge Slams CEC Over Alleged Dissent Letters
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge challenges CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged dissent letters and electoral roll discrepancies.
In a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI), Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has raised serious questions regarding the transparency of the poll body. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Kharge specifically targeted Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, questioning his silence over alleged dissent letters circulating among the commissioners.
The Dispute Over 'Unanimous' Decisions
The core of the controversy lies in the claim that the ECI's decisions are taken unanimously. Kharge challenged this narrative, suggesting that there are deep divisions within the three-member commission.
"If the decision was unanimous, why were there letters of dissent? Unanimous means everyone agreed, doesn't it?" Kharge questioned.
The Minister alleged that two of the three Election Commissioners had disagreed with the actions taken by Gyanesh Kumar. He expressed frustration over the lack of a public response from the CEC, asking why BJP leaders were stepping in to answer on behalf of a constitutional authority instead of the CEC himself.
Allegations of Electoral Roll Manipulation
Beyond the internal rift at the ECI, Priyank Kharge raised alarms over the integrity of the electoral process in Karnataka. He pointed toward two major concerns:
- Software Discrepancies: Alleged issues within the electoral software.
- Bulk Form 7 Applications: The circulation of pre-printed Form 7 applications, which are used to request the deletion of names from the electoral rolls.
Kharge revealed that cases have already been registered regarding the supply and circulation of these bulk applications. He emphasized that this is a serious violation of Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act and vowed that strict action would be taken.
Clash Over Mallikarjun Kharge's Remarks
The Minister also addressed the political firestorm following comments made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Patna on October 25, where he stated, "Modi ka baap bhi jayega" (Even Modi's father will go).
Dismissing the BJP's planned protests as a "diversion tactic," Priyank Kharge defended the Congress President's words as a colloquial expression. He accused the BJP of having inconsistent standards, noting that similar or more derogatory language has been used against Congress leaders in the past without similar outcry.
In a sharp turn, the Minister questioned the BJP's empathy, asking why the concern shown for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's father was not extended to his wife, Jashodaben.
Delhi Rally vs. Karnataka Rajyotsava
Regarding the upcoming INDIA bloc rally in Delhi scheduled for November 1, which coincides with the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations, Kharge clarified the government's stance. He stated that while party workers are free to travel to the national capital, the ministers and the Cabinet will remain in Karnataka to fulfill their constitutional duties.
He maintained that the two events are not mutually exclusive, suggesting that party workers could participate in the state's celebrations before heading to Delhi.