Jaipur, Nov 2 Rajasthan BJP president Madan Rathore on Monday accused the Congress of political hypocrisy over its campaign against alleged vote theft and sought an explanation from former chief minister Ashok Gehlot over allegations of ballot paper theft involving an NSUI leader in Jodhpur district.
In a statement, Rathore alleged that NSUI leader Sunil Choudhary, whom he described as close to Gehlot, was involved in an incident in Bhavi gram panchayat under Bilara panchayat samiti in which ballot papers were allegedly taken outside a polling station and stamped in favour of a candidate.
“Gehlot, who repeatedly talks about democracy, should explain whether this is the model he wants for the entire country,” Rathore said.
The BJP leader accused the Congress of misusing democratic processes and questioned its campaign against alleged vote theft.
He also claimed that the Congress had invoked Article 356 of the Constitution 93 times to dismiss state governments, raising questions about its commitment to democratic institutions and the federal structure.
Targeting the Congress-led protest at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, Rathore claimed that the rally on Sunday had failed to attract crowds and that several chairs remained empty even as leaders addressed the gathering.
He alleged that Congress leaders subsequently attempted to project a larger turnout by circulating misleading photographs on social media.
Rathore specifically accused former Rajasthan minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas of sharing a photograph of a crowd in Prayagraj and presenting it as an image from the Congress protest.
He also questioned why Gehlot, a three-time chief minister, was allegedly sidelined during the Delhi demonstration.
The BJP state president said circulating misleading photographs and inaccurate information for political gain was unacceptable.
He urged political parties to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it on social media.
Rathore said the Congress should first respond to allegations involving its own leaders “instead of relying on protests and slogans to question electoral transparency”.
He maintained that free and fair elections, transparency and political accountability were essential for strengthening democracy.
(PTI News)
