Maharashtra Congress MLC Calls ECI PM Modi's 'Dog', Refuses To Apologise; BJP Leader Says Party Is 'Flustered'
Congress leader Ashok Jagtap sparked a row by saying that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is acting like "dog" of Prime Minister Modi. His comments drew criticism from BJP and Shiv Sena leaders
Maharashtra Congress leader Ashok A. Jagtap, also known as Bhai Jagtap, stirred controversy on Friday by likening the Election Commission of India (ECI) to a "dog" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The remark came as the Congress party submitted a memorandum to the State Election Commission CEO, alleging irregularities in the recent state Assembly elections.
Jagtap, the Congress MLC and Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, expressed disbelief at the election results, asserting that the people of Maharashtra were against the ruling Mahayuti regime, but that the entire credit for the outcome went to the EVMs. "This is an unexpected (polls) verdict. We cannot believe it… People in the state were totally against the (ruling) Mahayuti regime, but the entire credit for it goes to the EVMs. Yes… EVMs tampered… I will say hacked at some places," Jagtap said, according to news agency IANS.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On his "kutta" remark for Election Commission, Congress leader Bhai Jagtap says, "I will not apologise at all, not even a bit...If they are working under pressure from the PM and other ministers then what I have said is right. I will not… pic.twitter.com/xmJ9cfUgas
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024
Regarding his controversial "dog" comment about the Election Commission, Jagtap told news ANI, "I will not apologise at all, not even a bit... If they are working under pressure from the PM and other ministers then what I have said is right. I will not apologise... Election Commission exists to further strengthen the democracy of the country, and not to serve someone. I stand by what I said. Election Commission should work like T.N. Seshan... Democracy is being disreputed because of you."
Jagtap also voiced concerns about the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), referencing petitions filed in the Supreme Court on the matter. "Ours is the biggest democracy in the world. If any such doubt is raised, it should be answered. Several petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court on this. A decision on the same was pronounced in April 2024. It was said that VVPAT slips should be counted, if you do not want Ballot paper. The petition stated that 50% of the VVPATs should be counted but the Supreme Court said that it should be 5%... But it wasn't done."
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On EVM issue, Congress leader Bhai Jagtap says, "...Ours is the biggest democracy in the world. If any such doubt is raised, it should be answered. Several petitions have been filed before Supreme Court on this. A decision on the same was pronounced… pic.twitter.com/xl5PD5zUkE
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024
"PM of the country had spoken about ballot paper when he was the CM of Gujarat. So, what happened now?... Lal Krishna Advani had also said the same... They are saying that we are raising this issue because we have lost (election in Maharashtra) but you too were saying the same then. Investigate it once. If this is faulty, replace it - that is what we are saying. Bring the system that people feel is right. I see my own ballot paper, stamp it, fold it and deposit it. So, there is no question of tampering," he remarked.
Reacting to Jagtap's remarks, BJP MLA and LoP in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta said the grand old party gets 'flustered' after poll loss. "This is a very shameful statement, and I strongly condemn it in the harshest words. Indian democracy, which is an example to the world, and the Indian election system, which is an example to the world, the Congress gets flustered every time they lose an election," he told IANS.
Delhi: BJP MLA and LoP in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta reacts to Congress leader and MLC Bhai Jagtap's statement, says, "This is a very shameful statement, and I strongly condemn it in the harshest words. Indian democracy, which is an example to the world, and the Indian… pic.twitter.com/U0SaKK9WiH
— IANS (@ians_india) November 29, 2024
Haryana Minister Rajesh Nagar remarked, "These people have lost their mental stability. Giving such responses or making such statements is completely wrong. We have the world's largest democracy, and questioning it is highly inappropriate..."
Chandigarh: On Congress leader Bhai Jagtap's remarks on the ECI, Haryana Minister Rajesh Nagar says, "Look, these people have lost their mental stability. Giving such responses or making such statements is completely wrong. We have the world's largest democracy, and questioning… pic.twitter.com/d4bmXxNbcQ
— IANS (@ians_india) November 29, 2024
Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar demanded poll body action as he said, "Election Commission of India is a constitutional authority and he should take strict action against him... He (Bhai Jagtap) should apologise for making such a statement..."
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On Congress leader Bhai Jagtap's reported objectionable statement on the Election Commission, Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar says, "Election Commission of India is a constitutional authority and he should take strict action against him...He (Bhai… pic.twitter.com/3v7iTUiwv0
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024
Congress Alleges 'Targeted Manipulation' In Maharashtra Poll Results
Meanwhile, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) convened and adopted a resolution expressing concerns over the integrity of the electoral process, which it claimed had been severely compromised. The party also acknowledged its unexpected performance in Haryana, where it had hoped to form the government. The CWC also expressed shock at the party's results in Maharashtra, calling them "inexplicable" and alleging "targeted manipulation." The committee urged Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to conduct state-wise reviews and take follow-up action to address organisational matters. ALSO READ |
The CWC called upon Congress workers at all levels to remain resilient in the face of challenges, urging them to avoid disheartenment or panic.
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