Political Tensions Escalate: BJP, Congress Clash Over Economy and Election Commission Allegations

BJP's National Spokesperson, Shehzad Poonawalla, launched a vehement critique against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday for his endorsement of former US President Donald Trump's statement that disparaged India's economy as 'dead.' Poonawalla argued that Gandhi's credibility is lacking even within his own party, labeling his remarks as insensible and immature. He suggested that senior Congress members, Shashi Tharoor and Rajiv Shukla, found Gandhi's assertion laughable, especially in the context of historical economic challenges faced by India, including double-digit inflation and low forex reserves.

Additionally, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju refuted Gandhi's claims of the Election Commission's involvement in voter fraud, accusing the opposition of orchestrating a scheme to undermine democratic institutions. Rijiju warned of the damaging implications such allegations could have on India's democratic framework and highlighted internal dissent against Gandhi within opposition ranks. He criticized Gandhi for allegedly attempting to harm the electoral body's reputation and questioned the motive behind these actions.

Rahul Gandhi, speaking to reporters, maintained serious accusations against the Election Commission of India, asserting that the Congress party possessed definitive proof of extensive voter fraud purportedly benefitting the BJP. Gandhi described the evidence as explosive enough to dramatically impact the nation's political landscape. He accused the Election Commission of facilitating electoral manipulation, promising to unveil findings with potentially devastating consequences for both the institution and the ruling party.

(With inputs from agencies.)