Rahul belittling LoP post with irresponsible remarks: Prasad

The BJP on Monday tore into Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his claim that India’s electoral system was “already dead” and his remark about dropping a “hydrogen bomb”. The ruling party said the comment shows Gandhi’s irresponsibility and lowers the dignity of his post as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Addressing reporters in the Capital, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said Gandhi’s speeches were often difficult to follow. “Today he has spoken of moving from an atom bomb to a hydrogen bomb. What connection do such words have with elections? Instead of strengthening his position as Leader of the Opposition, he is belittling it. The country must see this for what it is, irresponsible conduct,” he stated.

Prasad also mocked Leader of Opposition in Bihar Tejashwi Yadav, questioning why he appeared to play second fiddle to Gandhi during their state-wide yatra.

“Rahul always sat in front during the yatra, while Tejashwi stood behind him. In Patna, there are two MPs, myself and Misa Bharti, but she was not seen at all. Why has Tejashwi allowed himself to become a number two leader in Bihar, where the Congress has no real base and survives on his support?” he asked.

The BJP leader further hit out at the Opposition’s repeated charges that polls were manipulated and the Election Commission favoured the ruling party.

“Their anger stems from being unable to capture booths as they once did. That is why they keep demanding ballot papers. Their entire campaign against the Election Commission is about wanting power to seize booths, tear ballot papers and let infiltrators vote,” Prasad alleged