Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi during a press conference while addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding SIR. CM Fadnavis posed a direct question, asking how the Trinamool Congress managed to win in at least 15 constituencies in West Bengal where voter numbers saw a significant drop due to SIR. He argued that if opposition votes were supposedly removed through SIR, the TMC could not have secured victories in those exact areas. Regarding the SIR process, he emphasized that every political party gets an equal opportunity and can appoint a booth level agent at every single booth, with the BLA possessing full rights to raise objections.
Filing Objections in Voter Lists
The Chief Minister explained that individuals can raise objections on every single page and every single name in the voter list. If any eligible voter's name has been left out, an objection can be formally submitted. Similarly, if someone's name fails to appear in the roll, objections can be filed accordingly. However, he noted that the opposition chooses not to participate in the actual process while knowing full well that the procedure is underway. Even if a minor five to ten percent discrepancy occurs during the procedure and someone's name gets omitted, that individual can subsequently step forward and register an objection.
Creating Political Ruckus Without Substance
Fadnavis stated that instead of engaging with the established administrative process, the opposition's primary goal is merely to manufacture a public ruckus. Knowing that the public does not accept them and lacking substantial issues, such fabricated controversies are intentionally engineered. He stated in clear terms that no vote theft occurred, but rather Rahul Gandhi's mind has been stolen. Taking a jab at the situation, he urged the Prime Minister to establish a special committee tasked with finding Rahul Gandhi's mind and returning it so he can speak sensibly, truthfully, and in the interest of the nation.
Targeting Constitutional Institutions
Fadnavis asserted that while Rahul Gandhi frequently waves the Constitution in public, his underlying plan and overarching strategy involve something entirely different. By keeping the Constitution at the forefront, his objective is to defame all constitutional institutions of the country, sow seeds of doubt in the minds of citizens, and erode public trust in these foundational bodies. He added that by engineering such an environment, the opposition intends to introduce anarchy into the nation.
Pushing Toward a Communist System
The Maharashtra Chief Minister further elaborated that the intent is to cultivate a feeling among the populace that the democratic system established by the Constitution cannot deliver justice, thereby steering the entire framework toward a communist or authoritarian system. He believes this design is systematically being implemented through various actions. Whether it is the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, the Reserve Bank of India, or the Comptroller and Auditor General, attempts are constantly made to question every constitutional institution.
Strength of Ambedkar Constitution
Fadnavis questioned whether the revered Constitution drafted by Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is fragile enough for its institutions to simply collapse or be dismantled. He noted that the design is evident, aimed solely at generating chaos. He pointed out how certain publications print unfounded stories devoid of any factual proof or backing. However, he highlighted that the joint press conference held by the three Election Commissioners completely exposed these falsehoods.
Joint Press Conference by Election Commissioners
The Chief Minister noted that all three Election Commissioners explicitly clarified that decisions are arrived at collectively and unanimously, with every agenda thoroughly deliberated upon before execution. They confirmed that the decision regarding SIR was a joint one, with no dissenting opinions or conflicting notes recorded on official files. Regarding a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary, it was clarified that it did not concern any major policy matter but rather pertained to a deputation appointment and related procedural clarifications, leaving no room for policy disputes.
Creating False Narratives and Issuing Apologies
Fadnavis criticized the opposition for intentionally generating confusion among citizens regarding democratic and constitutional frameworks to trigger unrest. He recalled how the same leadership propagated false narratives before ultimately issuing apologies in the Supreme Court. He added that attempts have continuously been made to demoralize armed forces personnel.
Undermining National Security and Armed Forces
The Chief Minister pointed out that previous military actions like surgical strikes and airstrikes faced skepticism, and even the hardships faced by soldiers guarding the icy borders at minus 40 degrees have been undermined by rhetoric claiming foreign adversaries are overpowering them. He remarked that falsehoods do not last long and truth ultimately prevails. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also lashed out at the opposition, stating that the Congress and opposition parties remain active participants in every conspiracy aimed at damaging democracy.
