NEW DELHI, Oct 10: Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks following a meeting between a delegation of INDIA bloc leaders and President Droupadi Murmu, describing him as a “blot on Indian democracy” and demanding an apology.
The opposition delegation met President Murmu on Friday evening and submitted a memorandum raising allegations of “vote chori”. After the meeting, Gandhi said he was surprised that the President had not denied the allegations of election theft raised by the opposition.
Reacting to the statement, Goyal accused Gandhi of showing disrespect towards constitutional institutions and questioned his understanding of the responsibilities associated with his position as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
“It is a matter of shame that Rahul Gandhi has no respect for any constitutional authority,” the minister alleged, adding that Gandhi had disregarded his responsibilities as a citizen and a parliamentary leader.
Speaking to reporters, Goyal condemned Gandhi and the opposition leaders who accompanied him to the meeting, accusing them of displaying arrogance and discourtesy towards the country’s highest constitutional authority.
The BJP leader also argued that Gandhi’s remarks were disrespectful to the armed forces, noting that the President serves as their Supreme Commander. He said the comments had hurt the sentiments of millions of Indians.
Goyal demanded that Gandhi apologise to President Murmu, the armed forces and the country’s citizens for his statements.
“Rahul Gandhi should immediately apologise to the President of India. He should apologise to every member of the armed forces,” Goyal said, adding that the Congress leader should also apologise to the people of the country.
The Union minister further called on the Congress leadership, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, to take responsibility for Gandhi’s remarks and issue an apology.
Goyal accused the Congress leader of disregarding the Constitution and questioned the motives behind his allegations against constitutional authorities. He also alleged that Gandhi was pursuing an agenda influenced by foreign forces, without providing evidence for the charge in his remarks.
The exchange has intensified the political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress over allegations of electoral irregularities. While the opposition has raised concerns over the conduct of elections, the BJP has criticised Gandhi’s statements and his approach towards constitutional institutions.