BJP Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Trying to ‘Protect Infiltrators’ Amid INDIA Bloc’s ECI Protest

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition INDIA Bloc over its protests against the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of attempting to “protect infiltrators” under the guise of opposing alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The BJP’s remarks came a day after INDIA Bloc leaders met at Gandhi’s residence and vowed to remain united in their campaign against the ECI and the BJP-led government over alleged malpractices in the electoral roll revision exercise and what they described as “vote theft”.

At a joint press conference, Opposition leaders pledged to intensify their campaign for the “restoration” of democracy and continue challenging the alleged irregularities.

Reacting to the Opposition’s protest, BJP Rajya Sabha member Tarun Chugh alleged that Gandhi was trying to shield infiltrators by questioning the SIR exercise.

“Rahul Gandhi is constantly trying to protect infiltrators under the pretext of SIR, trying to add dead voters back to the voter list. Do these infiltrators and dead voters belong to you? At whose behest are the four pillars of Indian democracy, the judiciary, the Election Commission, the Parliament, and the media, being continuously attacked?” Chugh said.

He further accused Gandhi of attempting to undermine the country’s institutions.

“Rahul Gandhi has taken the contract to defame the country’s institutions,” Chugh alleged.

He added that the Opposition leader’s media events and slogans were being watched by people across the country, claiming that voters were expressing their disapproval through electoral outcomes.

BJP National Secretary Rohan Gupta also criticised the Opposition’s allegations against the Election Commission, arguing that charges against constitutional authorities should be supported by evidence.

“It was clear from the beginning how this would end. When you make allegations against a person holding a constitutional post without evidence, how long can you keep going? You spread falsehoods for two or four days, but what next? You want to meet the President and approach the CJI, but you have no evidence. You cannot blame others for your defeat without proof,” Gupta claimed.

Gupta questioned the INDIA Bloc’s decision to continue its campaign and approach constitutional authorities, asserting that the Opposition had failed to substantiate its allegations.

BJP Odisha president and Member of Parliament Manmohan Samal, meanwhile, said election results reflected the public’s faith in the democratic process and had led to the formation of a BJP-led government. He accused the Opposition of questioning democratic institutions out of frustration over repeated electoral defeats.

“In a country of 140 crore people who believe in democracy, the trust expressed through the election results led to the formation of a BJP-led government. After losing for the third time out of frustration, they are now showing their long-standing habit of not trusting democracy,” Samal claimed.

He also questioned the significance of public gatherings demanding a change of government, arguing that democratic outcomes must be determined by the electorate’s mandate.

“Democracy cannot be forced; democracy is a process governed by the mandate and opinion of the general public. Just because a crowd of 7,000 to 8,000 people gathers and demands a change of government doesn’t form a valid basis,” he added.

BJP National Spokesperson Guru Prakash also targeted Gandhi, accusing him of focusing on political theatrics instead of strengthening the Congress organisation and preparing the party for upcoming elections.

“In a democracy, political parties are meant to engage in politics and contest elections. However, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has become involved in theatrics. Wherever elections are approaching, he is changing state party presidents. The focus should be on the party, but he is focussing elsewhere. When you become confused about your priorities, the Congress party becomes an example of misplaced priorities,” Prakash said.

The BJP’s criticism came as the INDIA Bloc reiterated its resolve to continue its challenge to the Election Commission over the SIR exercise and its allegations of electoral malpractice.

The allegations against Gandhi and the Opposition were made by BJP leaders as the political confrontation over electoral rolls and the conduct of elections continued.