Minister Aathawale Defends Election Integrity Amid Opposition Allegations
Central Minister Ramdas Aathawale addresses election integrity, dismissing opposition claims of vote theft during a recent event in Jaipur.
Jaipur, October 23 (Daily Kiran) : Central Minister Ramdas Aathawale spoke out against allegations of vote theft made by the opposition during a recent event in Jaipur, marking the conclusion of the Pink City Press Club’s 35th anniversary celebrations. He emphasized that the integrity of elections is crucial to democracy and criticized the opposition’s calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Aathawale underscored that the majority in a democracy determines the government. He noted that while the Congress party had been in power for many years, the NDA expected to secure around 400 seats in the 2024 elections but fell short. He pointed out that despite the Congress party gaining seats, his party never claimed that votes were stolen. “Wherever our government comes to power and receives more votes, the opposition alleges vote theft,” he stated.
The minister expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, asserting that Modi has earned the opportunity to serve a third term. “We believe that our government will return in 2029,” he added.
Aathawale acknowledged the opposition’s right to advocate for change and engage with voters but insisted that the Election Commission should not be targeted. He called for the commission to ensure accurate voter lists, stating, “Every voter has the right to vote, and that right must not be taken away.” He dismissed the notion that demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner would yield any benefits.
Furthermore, Aathawale cautioned against the idea that protests could swiftly change a government, referencing political upheavals in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. “In India, such changes are not possible. Movements do not change governments here; we uphold the rule of law,” he concluded.
