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Key Points

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi's allegations of election rigging in Maharashtra. Paswan argued that instead of making excuses, the Congress party should focus on understanding why voters are rejecting them. Gandhi had detailed a five-step process of alleged electoral manipulation, claiming the BJP was systematically undermining democratic processes. The political exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the BJP and Congress as they compete for electoral narrative and public perception.

Key Points: Chirag Paswan Slams Rahul Gandhi's Poll Rigging Allegations

  • Paswan dismisses Congress claims of election manipulation
  • Gandhi alleges systematic rigging in Maharashtra polls
  • Union Minister calls for political self-reflection
  • Claims of electoral fraud spark political debate
3 min read

Instead of finding excuses, it is time for introspection, Chirag Paswan slams Rahul Gandhi on poll rigging claims

Union Minister Chirag Paswan criticizes Rahul Gandhi's election rigging claims, calling for introspection instead of making excuses.

"After independence, you remained in power for 55 years, and today, if the public is rejecting you, then instead of finding excuses, it is time for introspection - Chirag Paswan"

Patna, June 7

Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Saturday took a dig at Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his recent tweet alleging poll rigging in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Paswan dismissed the claims, stating that the Congress is resorting to excuses in anticipation of defeat in the upcoming elections.

"Now they are looking for excuses because they are going to lose the next election. They know that they are going to lose the Bihar assembly elections... Till now, they were blaming EVMs... Now they have found a new excuse... After independence, you remained in power for 55 years, and today, if the public is rejecting you, then instead of finding excuses, it is time for introspection," he said.

On Saturday, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Maharashtra assembly election held in November 2024 was "rigged", and claimed that the same will be repeated in Bihar assembly polls due later this year.

In a post on X, Gandhi shared his article published in a newspaper, explaining the "rigging" in the Maharashtra assembly polls.

"Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 were a blueprint for rigging democracy. My article shows how this happened, step by step," Gandhi said on X.

The former Congress President explained a five-point process. He said that step one includes rigging the panel that appoints the Election Commission, followed by adding fake voters to the electoral roll.

He further claimed that the next steps include inflating the voter turnout, targeting the bogus voting exactly where the BJP needs to win and hiding the evidence.

"Step 1: Rig the panel for appointing the Election Commission; Step 2: Add fake voters to the roll; Step 3: Inflate voter turnout; Step 4: Target the bogus voting exactly where BJP needs to win; Step 5: Hide the evidence," Gandhi said.

He further labelled rigging as "match-fixing", saying that the side cheats might win the game but damage institutions and destroy public faith in the result.

"It's not hard to see why the BJP was so desperate in Maharashtra. But rigging is like match-fixing; the side that cheats might win the game, but will damage institutions and destroy public faith in the result. All concerned Indians must see the evidence. Judge for themselves. Demand answers," the Rae Bareli MP said.

Gandhi warned that the "match-fixing" of Maharashtra would come to Bihar next, where the polls are due later this year, and then "anywhere" the BJP was losing elections. "Match-fixed elections are a poison for any democracy," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
Chirag Paswan makes a valid point. Instead of blaming EVMs or crying rigging, opposition should focus on connecting with people. Congress ruled for decades without these allegations. Maybe they need to rethink their strategy rather than finding excuses 🤔
P
Priya M.
Serious allegations need serious proof. If Rahul Gandhi has evidence, he should present it properly through legal channels rather than social media posts. Democracy is too important for casual accusations. #TransparencyMatters
A
Arjun S.
Both sides need to be more responsible. Politicians should focus on governance rather than constant mudslinging. Public is tired of these daily dramas when there are real issues like inflation to address. 😒
S
Sunita R.
Interesting how the narrative changes with time. When Congress was winning, EVMs were perfect. Now they're problematic. Maybe we need international observers for elections to settle this debate once and for all?
V
Vikram J.
While I don't agree with Rahul Gandhi's approach, we must acknowledge that electoral reforms are needed. Voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) should be made mandatory and more transparent. Let's strengthen our democracy instead of weakening it with accusations.
N
Neha P.
Politicians should remember - when they attack election credibility, they're attacking India's democratic foundations. If there's proof, go to court. If not, accept defeat gracefully and work harder next time. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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