Congress Shrinking, Targeting PM and Institutions: BJP MP
BJP MP Rajeev Bhardwaj accuses Congress of spreading misinformation regarding the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision process.
In a scathing attack on the opposition, Kangra Lok Sabha MP and BJP leader Rajeev Bhardwaj has accused the Congress party of attempting to destabilize India's democratic fabric. Speaking at a press conference in Dharamshala, Bhardwaj claimed that the Congress is "continuously shrinking" and, as a result, has resorted to targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and independent constitutional bodies.
The SIR Electoral Roll Controversy
The crux of the political firestorm involves the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Bhardwaj accused the Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of deliberately spreading confusion and misinformation regarding this vital electoral exercise across the nation.
Addressing the allegations leveled against the Election Commission (EC), the BJP MP emphasized the importance of factual clarity. He highlighted that following a recent plenary meeting, the Chief Election Commissioner and both Election Commissioners had jointly clarified that all decisions pertaining to the SIR were made through unanimous agreement.
Debunking Allegations on Form-6 and Administrative Letters
Bhardwaj specifically rejected claims made by the Congress regarding the declaration process and the use of Form-6 during the special revision. He suggested that these provisions are being misrepresented to create public distrust in the electoral process. Furthermore, he addressed the legal dimension, noting that the Supreme Court has already provided its decision regarding the process in question.
The MP also tackled a recent media report concerning a letter sent by the Election Commission to the Cabinet Secretary. While the opposition attempted to link this letter to the SIR policy, Bhardwaj clarified the following:
- The communication was strictly an internal administrative matter.
- It concerned an officer currently on deputation with the Election Commission.
- It holds no connection whatsoever to the Special Intensive Revision policy.
Attacking the Opposition's Strategy
Defending the integrity of the Election Commission, Bhardwaj reminded the public that the body manages the world’s largest democratic electoral exercise with complete impartiality. He expressed concern over the pattern of statements made by Rahul Gandhi regarding the judiciary, the CAG, and other autonomous institutions.
Bhardwaj listed several contentious issues previously raised by the opposition, including:
- The Rafale case
- The Auditor General (CAG) reports
- The Balakot airstrike
- The India-China border dispute
"The opposition should raise issues through democratic debate in Parliament and within the country instead of making allegations against constitutional institutions," Bhardwaj concluded, urging a return to constructive political discourse.