New Delhi, September 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his remarks targeting the Election Commission amid the ongoing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, saying that amplifying such statements would send a “wrong message” to society.
Rijiju’s remarks came days after Gandhi demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged that the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections were “rigged”. Gandhi made the allegations at a press conference on September 24, amid reports concerning differences within the Election Commission over aspects of electoral-roll management and SIR.
Gandhi alleged that the Election Commission had failed to protect voters’ rights and linked what he described as “vote theft” to the legitimacy of laws passed by Parliament. He also demanded Kumar’s resignation.
The Election Commission, however, has said that key decisions related to SIR, including the June 24, 2025 order and subsequent schedules, were taken with the unanimous approval of all three Election Commissioners.
Several BJP leaders also criticised Gandhi’s remarks.
BJP leader Narottam Mishra accused Gandhi of questioning the credibility of the electoral process after electoral setbacks and said he should apologise for his earlier allegations concerning EVMs.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also criticised Gandhi, accusing the Congress of targeting constitutional institutions. Sai said the Election Commission’s joint clarification showed there was no disagreement within the Commission over its decisions.
BJP National Media In-Charge Ashish Usha Agarwal similarly accused Gandhi of repeatedly questioning constitutional institutions and other government initiatives.
The political dispute comes amid continuing debate over the Election Commission’s handling of SIR. The poll panel has maintained that its decisions on the exercise were taken unanimously, while opposition parties have continued to raise questions over the process and demand greater scrutiny.
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