New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar of being “deshdrohis”, alleging that they had “destroyed” people’s votes. He also demanded the immediate resignation of the CEC.
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha alleged that Modi and Shah would face investigations over what he described as their actions against the country. Targeting Gyanesh Kumar, Gandhi said the CEC’s actions amounted to an act against the Indian nation.
Addressing a press conference at Indira Bhavan, Gandhi said the issue was an attack on the Constitution and the country’s legal framework. He alleged that the Election Commission had a responsibility to ensure that votes remained protected and claimed that there was sufficient information to establish his allegations.
Gandhi said those responsible would face consequences and asserted that the opposition would not remain silent or allow democracy to be destroyed.
He also suggested that Gyanesh Kumar should become a “government witness”, saying he believed doing so would be an act of nationalism.
Gandhi further alleged that investigations would be conducted against Modi and Shah, claiming they were at the top of the alleged conspiracy and would be held accountable for what he said had been done to the country.
During the press conference, Gandhi played several videos and asked people to listen to the tone in which Modi and Shah had spoken. The videos included Shah saying that the BJP would remain in power for 30 years and Modi raising the slogan “Ab ki baar 400 paar”.
Gandhi said political leaders working in a democratic environment could not make such statements. He also referred to “anti-incumbency” as a fundamental force in India, saying it begins to work against those in power and does not spare anyone.
