Tharoor’s Unexpected Support for Gandhi
Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Congress MP, has publicly backed Rahul Gandhi amidst allegations of voter fraud during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This support comes despite recent internal disagreements within the Congress party, particularly regarding Operation Sindoor. Tharoor, who had previously opposed the party’s stance on this military operation, was notably absent from the parliamentary debate on the matter. His endorsement of Gandhi’s claims highlights a significant shift in party dynamics.
Rahul Gandhi’s Explosive Allegations
Rahul Gandhi recently accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to manipulate election results in Karnataka’s Mahadevpura assembly segment. He presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation alleging that over a lakh votes were fraudulently manipulated. Gandhi further claimed that the ECI had orchestrated a “choreographed schedule” for the assembly polls to benefit the ruling BJP.
Election Commission and BJP’s Response
In response to these allegations, the Election Commission challenged Gandhi to file a formal complaint under oath, providing a format for such a declaration. The BJP, led by media cell chief Amit Malviya, criticized Gandhi for not submitting this complaint, accusing him of engaging in political theatrics without substantial evidence. Malviya argued that Gandhi’s actions were damaging to India’s democratic processes.
Congress Party Dynamics and Implications
Tharoor’s support for Gandhi is particularly noteworthy given his previous opposition to Congress’s handling of Operation Sindoor. Despite leading a crucial delegation to the US post-Operation Sindoor, Tharoor refrained from contradicting his earlier stance on the operation’s success. His current alignment with Gandhi suggests potential shifts within Congress as it navigates internal rifts and external challenges.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s Defense
Adding to the controversy, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra defended her brother’s allegations, questioning the ECI’s reluctance to investigate and provide voter lists. She emphasized that the data presented by Congress should prompt an investigation into potential electoral fraud.