Hydrogen bomb turned dud: BJP's Malviya trolls Rahul, Tejashwi over vote theft claims
In a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Gaurav Malviya on Tuesday dubbed their claims of "vote theft" during the recently concluded Assembly polls in Bihar as a "hydrogen bomb that turned out to be a dud."
The controversy began when Rahul Gandhi, addressing a press conference after the RJD's spectacular performance in the Bihar Assembly polls, alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) had indulged in large-scale "vote theft," which, according to him, had impacted the results. He had claimed that the Congress party had evidence to prove its allegations.
During his interaction with the media, Rahul Gandhi had dramatically stated that the proof of "vote theft" allegations against the ECI was akin to a "hydrogen bomb." However, as the days went by, no concrete evidence was produced to substantiate these claims, leading to skepticism and ridicule from several quarters.
Malviya, in a tweet, took a dig at Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi, saying, "The much-hyped 'hydrogen bomb' of vote theft allegations turned out to be a dud. Even the ECI's fiercest critics are now struggling to recall what exactly was stolen and how. Or was it just another instance of Opposition leaders peddling fake news to mislead their supporters?"
The BJP spokesperson's comment was a reference to the fact that despite several allegations of irregularities during the polling process, no conclusive evidence was presented by the Opposition parties to support their claims. As a result, the Election Commission of India has so far refused to entertain any petitions seeking re-polling or re-counting of votes.
In another tweet, Malviya stated that if Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav had any concrete evidence to prove their allegations, they should approach the court. Malviya asked, "If they have any credible evidence to support their 'vote theft' claims, why are they not approaching the Hon'ble Court?"
The reactions from Malviya assume significance given that several Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, have been vocal about their disapproval of the ECI's functioning. Although several allegations have been raised, there has been no conclusive evidence presented to back up these claims.
The controversy surrounding the alleged "vote theft" gained momentum when Tejashwi Prasad Yadav met the ECI officials and presented a memorandum on the alleged discrepancies during the polling process. During his interaction with the media, Tejashwi alleged that large-scale irregularities took place during the polls, following which several Opposition leaders addressed a joint press conference and raised questions on the credibility of the ECI.
The stage was set for a showdown between the Opposition parties and the ECI as several Opposition leaders demanded re-polling or re-counting of votes. However, despite the allegations and demands, the ECI, on several occasions, has maintained that the polls were free and fair.
The Opposition parties may have been dealt a blow in their attempts to discredit the ECI and seek re-polling or re-counting of votes. In a related development, the Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a petition filed by a disgruntled BJP candidate from the Sasaram Assembly constituency in Bihar, who had alleged large-scale irregularities during the polls.
The petitioner's counsel had sought re-polling or re-counting of votes in the constituency; however, the apex court refused to intervene, citing that the ECI was the right forum to approach in case of any grievances.
It appears that Rahul Gandhi's much-hyped allegation of "vote theft" and the Opposition's tirade against the ECI may have fizzled out for now. However, it remains to be seen if the Opposition parties decide to pursue the matter in the court of law or otherwise.
The controversy began at a time when the results of the Bihar Assembly polls had started to pour in, indicating a spectacular performance by the RJD and its allies. The RJD emerged as the single largest party, winning 75 seats, while its allies, including the Congress and the Left parties, won several seats, giving the Mahagathbandhan a total of 164 seats.
The BJP, which was the main constituent of the NDA, won 62 seats, while its allies, including the JD(S) and the LJP, won 16 and 6 seats respectively. The NDA garnered a total of 125 seats.
The results may have been a setback for the NDA; however, it is evident that the Opposition parties' attempt to create controversy over alleged "vote theft" has fizzled out. Instead, the onus now shifts to the Opposition parties on whether they plan to approach the court or forget about their allegations.
The ECI, on several occasions, has received flak from several quarters; however, it has always maintained that it conducts free and fair polls. Given that several allegations have been raised by the Opposition parties, it remains to be seen if they come up with credible evidence to back up their claims.
