Rahul, Tejashwi spreading ‘false claims’ against EC: Prasad

BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav of repeatedly spreading “falsehoods” about the EC, saying their allegations of vote theft were an attempt to mislead the public.

Prasad said they had made it a habit to discredit institutions whenever the electoral outcome went against them. “Whenever they lose, the Election Commission becomes bad. When they win, the same commission is suddenly acceptable,” he remarked.

Citing examples, the BJP leader pointed out that in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the Samajwadi Party won 37 seats in Uttar Pradesh, while the BJP secured 33 under the same commission. “Wasn’t it the same Election Commission? The problem arises only when Rahul Gandhi and his allies lose,” he said.

He further said that similar contradictions had been seen in other states. “In Maharashtra, the Opposition did well in some seats, but because they were wiped out in others, they blamed the commission. In Himachal Pradesh and Telangana, when they won, the commission was fine. When they lost, it suddenly became biased,” he said.

Prasad accused Gandhi of undermining constitutional institutions. “If the Congress fails to secure votes, how can the BJP be held responsible? This is the same Congress that cried foul in the Pegasus case, but refused to hand over their phones for investigation. They have even tried to tarnish the media,” he said.

Turning to Tejashwi Yadav, Prasad said the RJD leader was trying to mislead people in Bihar with “reckless and irresponsible statements”. “He says he has never seen a liar like Prime Minister Modi. Is that his qualification to become chief minister? Under Modi’s leadership, the Indian economy has made remarkable progress,” Prasad asserted.

The BJP leader demanded that Tejashwi apologise for his remarks. “If he does not, the public, which has already distanced itself from him, will reject him even further,” he said.

Taking another swipe, Prasad claimed Tejashwi’s association with Rahul Gandhi was only weakening his own party. “By joining hands with Rahul, Tejashwi is pushing his party towards decline. Rahul Gandhi too should think carefully. Does he also want to sink the Congress further?” he asked.