Kishan Reddy Accuses Congress of Double Standards in Election Commission Controversy

Hyderabad, September 27 (Daily Kiran) : Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy has accused the Congress party of engaging in low-level politics and double standards. He stated that Congress claims credit for victories but blames electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the Election Commission when it loses.

In a recent press conference, Reddy dismissed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations that the BJP steals votes. He asserted that the BJP wins the hearts of the people rather than resorting to vote theft. Reddy sharply criticized Congress for not changing its approach despite being rejected by the public.

The BJP leader condemned the unfounded accusations made by Gandhi and the Congress against the Election Commission and other constitutional bodies. He pointed out the hypocrisy of Congress, noting that they have praised the Election Commission’s work in states like Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana. However, when the BJP emerges victorious, Congress shifts blame onto EVMs and the Election Commission.

Reddy emphasized that it is not the Election Commission’s responsibility to ensure Congress’s victories, nor is it the EVM’s role to make Rahul Gandhi Prime Minister.

Addressing reports of disagreements among Election Commission members, Reddy said that exchanges of letters and internal discussions are normal. He mentioned that all three election commissioners met personally and clarified that there were no disputes among them, urging the opposition to refrain from creating unnecessary controversy.

Regarding the Systematic Voter Registration (SVR) process, he noted that it operates under the Supreme Court‘s orders and oversight. The refinement of voter lists, which includes removing deceased names and duplicate entries, is a constitutional process. He highlighted the inconsistency of Congress, which accepts this process when winning in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu but criticizes it in West Bengal and elsewhere.

Reddy asserted that Congress has no moral right to speak on constitutional matters. He challenged them to reflect on their history, which includes imposing an emergency in 1975, suppressing press freedom, violating civil rights, and imprisoning opposition leaders.

He claimed that in 2009, he recommended the removal of election commissioners because they did not align with his wishes, calling it absurd for such individuals to discuss democracy.

Reddy launched a fierce attack on Congress, accusing them of undermining constitutional and security institutions that work for the country’s welfare. He stated that Gandhi has not spared any institution, spreading malicious propaganda against the army chief, the air force, surgical strikes, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice, emergency services, the CBI, the Intelligence Bureau, and media organizations, ultimately targeting institutions like Parliament and the GST system.