India's poll machinery flawed: Rahul Gandhi's scathing vote theft attack in Berlin
PTC News Desk: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp critique of the BJP, accusing it of misusing India’s institutional machinery for political purposes. Speaking at an event in Berlin, he alleged that agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are being deployed to target opposition leaders, while those aligned with the ruling party are spared.
The BJP dismissed Gandhi’s remarks, branding him anti-India and describing his conduct as immature. Addressing students at the Hertie School last week during his five-day visit to Germany, Gandhi claimed that India’s institutional framework has been systematically taken over and is facing an unprecedented assault. He argued that institutions meant to function independently are no longer operating as they should.
"Our intelligence agencies, ED and CBI have been weaponised. The ED and CBI have zero cases against the BJP and most of the political cases are against the people who oppose them," he added.
Gandhi further alleged that business figures who support the Congress are intimidated, and said the party had helped build these institutions with the belief that they belong to the nation, not to any political organisation. In contrast, he claimed the BJP treats institutions as instruments for consolidating political power.
Warning that Indian democracy is under serious threat, Gandhi said the opposition must organise resistance to counter what he described as the BJP’s capture of the institutional structure. He stressed that the fight is not against the BJP alone, but against its control over national institutions.
Reiterating earlier claims, Gandhi also alleged vote manipulation, asserting that the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections were rigged in favour of the BJP. He criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic model, claiming it has run out of momentum and merely continues policies initiated under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh without offering a fresh vision.
While acknowledging that PM Modi enjoys significant public support, Gandhi said many Indians reject the BJP’s ideology, arguing that its vision is misguided and could lead to deeper social divisions.
- With inputs from agencies
