BJP Mocks INDIA Bloc Over CEC 'Public Impeachment', Challenges Opposition to Parliament Debate

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the opposition INDIA bloc on Saturday for holding a symbolic "public impeachment" event targeting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. BJP leaders defended constitutional protections for the CEC and challenged opposition figures, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, to discuss electoral issues in Parliament.

Speaking at a press briefing in New Delhi, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra remarked that Rahul Gandhi should be kept as a "mock prime minister for life," describing the opposition's program as a mockery of Parliament. Patra defended the legal provisions providing immunity to constitutional authorities like the President and the CEC, stating that the provisions already existed within the Constitution.

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad also criticized Rahul Gandhi, challenging him to resign and accusing the opposition of ridiculing constitutional institutions.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, challenged Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to debate voter irregularities during a special session of Parliament. Shah accused the opposition of blaming the umpire rather than accepting defeat, citing recent NDA electoral performances in various states.

The INDIA bloc's event featured a resolution read out by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, demanding the removal and trial of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities related to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.