BJP approaches poll panel
The BJP on Monday petitioned the Election Commission of India demanding FIRs against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi over alleged violations of laws, Representation of People’s Act and Model Code of Conduct.
In a memorandum to the EC, the BJP accused Gandhi and Kharge of violations under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2024 (endangering unity and integrity of the country by purposely using words spoken or written), Section 353 (publishing false information, including through electronic means) and Section 125 of the RPA (promoting enmity between classes) to demand action against the two Congress leaders.
“We request the Commission to reprimand, censure and restrain Rahul Gandhi from handing out lies during the election campaign for the remaining term of the electioneering and direct the registration of an FIR against Kharge and Gandhi under relevant sections of the law,” it said.
The memorandum referred to Rahul Gandhi’s speeches in Mumbai poll campaign where he said “The BJP and the RSS want to destroy the Constitution of India. The only qualification needed to become a Vice-Chancellor today is membership of the RSS. Whether you have subject knowledge or not does not matter. The sole qualification you need is RSS membership. This is what is happening to all institutions of the country. They pressurise the Election Commission and use the CBI, ED, Income Tax Department to destabilise governments.”
The BJP leaders said the above statements were “false.”
They said Gandhi distorted the truth when he said iPhones and Boeing aeroplanes were being manufactured in other states at the expense of Maharashtra.
“Through his statements, Rahul Gandhi has falsely accused other states of stealing, snatching alleged opportunities from Maharashtra. In fact, Maharashtra has topped India in foreign direct investment across India by receiving a total of Rs 70,795 crore from April to June 2024 and 2025. Gandhi with his statements is inciting the youth of Maharashtra, which is dangerous for the unity and integrity of the country,” the BJP said.
The BJP leaders said Rahul Gandhi with his misleading statements “has tried to create a divide between the people of Maharashtra and Gujarat and other states. The BJP urged the EC to reprimand Rahul alleging that he was a serial offender.