NEW DELHI: The BJP has targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his reported foreign trip, questioning his absence from India during Navratri and accusing him of avoiding political responsibilities.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took a dig at Gandhi in a post on X, claiming that the Congress leader was once again taking a break and enjoying a holiday. He also speculated whether Gandhi was meeting what he called his “chaos collaborators” abroad.
Bhandari’s remarks came a day after Gandhi accused the BJP leadership of orchestrating alleged electoral irregularities during a rally in Margao, South Goa, ahead of the 2027 Goa Assembly elections.
At the rally, Gandhi alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had implemented the alleged “vote chori”, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had operationalised it, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had orchestrated the plan. He also claimed that opposition supporters’ names were being removed from electoral rolls while the BJP’s vote count was being inflated.
The allegations intensified the political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP over electoral integrity.
Addressing Congress workers in Goa, Gandhi urged party members to remain vigilant throughout the election process. He said they had a responsibility to identify and report any attempts to manipulate electoral rolls or undermine the democratic process.
Gandhi also referred to the numerous defamation cases he faces, claiming that more than 45 cases had been filed against him, including cases involving Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah. He argued that despite repeatedly raising allegations of vote theft against the BJP, he had not faced a specific case over those claims.
The Congress leader maintained that electoral manipulation was a serious issue requiring scrutiny and vigilance from opposition parties.
The BJP, however, has continued to challenge Gandhi’s allegations and question his political conduct. Bhandari’s latest remarks shifted the focus to Gandhi’s reported overseas visit, adding another round of personal attacks to the ongoing political dispute.
The exchange comes as political parties prepare for the Goa Assembly elections next year, with allegations concerning electoral rolls and the integrity of the voting process emerging as key points of contention.
