Lucknow, Oct 16 Opposition leaders from Congress and Samajwadi Party criticised the BJP for “defending” Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, whom they blame for shaking the foundation of the country’s democracy — the right to vote.
Their reactions followed Union Minister Rajnath Singh lashing out at the Congress and its allies over the protests in the national capital. Singh accused them of seeking a regime change along the lines of Bangladesh and using the energy of youth to spread “anarchy”.
UP Congress chief Aradhana Misra Mona said if the BJP defends Kumar, then the party will be just as culpable for this act as the CEC himself.
“I fail to understand why the BJP is defending an individual who has undermined this country’s democracy and constitutional order — someone who has shaken the very foundation of our democracy — the right to vote. Why is the BJP standing behind him and shielding Kumar?” she said.
Mona told PTI Videos that Kumar is an offender against this nation and has snatched the voting rights of more than 13 crore citizens.
“He (Kumar) should have been made to resign; impeachment proceedings should have been initiated against him, and he should apologise to the nation,” Mona said. The UP Congress chief also said Rahul Gandhi’s ideology is the Congress’s ideology, and the party has advanced with this ideology.
Every movement we have undertaken has been peaceful, yet the streets of Delhi bear witness to the BJP government’s inhumane conduct, she said, pointing specifically to the Home Minister, under whose authority the Delhi Police operates.
“They deployed pellet guns and subjected women, political activists, and Members of Parliament — including female MPs — to appalling treatment. Can such an offense ever be forgiven? I would say the BJP has fostered an atmosphere in this country that has left the entire nation terrified and caused the people to lose all faith in the BJP government,” Mona said.
SP Lok Sabha MP Iqra Hasan said, “Look, it is the BJP that is plundering the nation and setting the country ablaze. If they have such a major problem, why are they causing distress to the youth of the entire nation to protect one individual? They should ensure the resignation of that person — Kumar.”
She said the BJP should reflect on how the country’s system should function. “As for the Opposition, it is our duty to raise valid issues,” she said, adding that the ruling party is consumed by arrogance.
Earlier in the day, the Union minister alleged that Congress and its allies are seeking a Bangladesh-like regime change. Addressing a press conference here, Singh asserted that democracy does not give anyone the licence to create disorder or undermine the credibility of constitutional institutions.
“It appears that the Congress and its political allies, directly and through their supporting organisations, are trying to use the energy of the youth to fuel political confrontation and spread anarchy instead of channeling it towards constructive work and nation-building,” the minister said.
“The youth of the country are being made pawns in the politics of anarchy,” he stated.
(PTI News)
