The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi amid the INDIA bloc’s protest over alleged irregularities in the Special
Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called Rahul Gandhi the “embodiment of anarchy” and described him as an “irresponsible Leader of Opposition”.
Bhatia alleged that Gandhi spoke without facts and accused him and the Congress of undermining the Constitution. He also made allegations concerning the treatment of women, claiming that they were subjected to inappropriate behaviour.
“The people of the country also know that Rahul Gandhi is anarchic. He speaks without any facts,” Bhatia said.
He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party “tear the Constitution to shreds”.
BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Protest
The BJP’s remarks came amid protest led by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and other INDIA bloc leaders against alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process.
The Opposition has raised concerns about the functioning of the Election Commission, with Rahul Gandhi and 12 other INDIA bloc leaders approaching the Supreme Court over the issue.
During his press conference, Bhatia also referred to the festive season while making allegations against the Congress over the dignity of women. He claimed that women were being touched inappropriately but did not provide specific details in the remarks shared.
The BJP’s comments added to the political confrontation between the ruling party and the Opposition over the Election Commission and the alleged electoral irregularities.
Supreme Court Issues Notice To ECI
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Thursday sought responses from the Election Commission of India and all three election commissioners on a petition filed by Rahul Gandhi and 12 other INDIA bloc leaders.
The petition seeks an independent investigation into alleged electoral irregularities and the functioning of the poll panel.
The development came as the Opposition continued to raise concerns over the electoral process and the role of the Election Commission.
SC Warns Against Browbeating Courts
In a separate matter, the Supreme Court issued notices on pleas seeking a regulatory framework for protests and processions near judicial complexes.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant made the observation that “nobody can browbeat” the court while hearing the matter concerning the October 12 march by Opposition leaders towards the Supreme Court.
The proceedings relate to demands for rules governing protests and processions near judicial complexes.
The two matters come amid heightened political tensions over the Opposition’s allegations against the Election Commission and its protest over the SIR process. The Supreme Court has sought responses from the poll panel on the petition seeking an independent investigation, while the BJP has stepped up its criticism of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress.
