Tejashwi Yadav alleges 'conspiracy against democracy' at INDIA bloc meet
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav claims irregularities in election processes and voting record preservation during the INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has launched a scathing attack on the electoral process, claiming that a massive conspiracy against democracy is being orchestrated. Speaking to reporters during the INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi on Wednesday, Yadav expressed deep concerns over alleged irregularities and the recent actions taken by the Election Commission.
Allegations of Evidence Destruction
Yadav highlighted several procedural changes that he believes undermine the integrity of the democratic process. He specifically pointed toward the selection process of the Chief Election Commissioner and the management of voting data.
Key concerns raised by Yadav include:
- Selection Process: He alleged that the Chief Justice was removed from the selection process for the Chief Election Commissioner.
- Data Preservation: He claimed that the period for preserving voting records has been drastically reduced from one year to just 45 days, which he described as an attempt to destroy evidence.
- Voting Percentage Discrepancies: Yadav claimed that the announced voting percentages fluctuate inconsistently—changing from one day to the next—suggesting they are being manipulated for convenience.
"The conspiracy that has been done against democracy, those conspirators should be sent to jail and punished," Yadav stated, emphasizing that the purpose of the INDIA bloc meeting was to address these systemic issues.
BJP Counters: 'Questions Only When Losing'
The BJP has reacted strongly to the opposition's stance, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated. Keya Ghosh, a BJP leader, criticized the INDIA bloc for what she called a selective approach to election integrity.
Ghosh questioned why the opposition only raises concerns about the electoral process in regions where they face defeat, noting that they remain silent in areas where they win. She defended the Election Commission and specifically praised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, stating that the electoral process in West Bengal was conducted peacefully without violence.
Internal Cracks in the Alliance?
Adding further criticism, Bihar BJP president Sanjay Saraogi remarked that while political parties are free to meet, the INDIA bloc appears to be an alliance driven solely by self-interest. He suggested that cracks are already beginning to appear within the coalition.
Saraogi also addressed the concerns regarding the Special Issue Report (SIR) draft, noting that the Election Commission provides a one-month window for objections. He alleged that the Congress party only raises issues in constituencies where they lose elections, whereas they maintain silence in areas where they are victorious.