Ashok challenges Congress to face fresh polls in States ruled by it if it does not believe EC

Accusing the Congress of following double standards in questioning the election process, including EVMs whenever it loses, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok on Sunday challenged the Congress to cancel the election to State Assemblies where it has won, including Karnataka, and face fresh polls.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Mr. Ashok alleged that the Congress was disillusioned that it would not win the Parliamentary polls again. “That is why Rahul Gandhi speaks against Constitutional institutions such as the Supreme Court, the Directorate of Enforcement and the Central Bureau of Investigation. Now, for political gains, Congress leaders are targeting the Election Commission,” he said.

“Uttar Pradesh elections are due in February, and it is certain that the Congress will not win even one seat there. Akhilesh Yadav has declined to tie up with them. That is why they are attacking the Election Commission now itself. It is like seeking anticipatory bail”, he said.

“If there is an error in the Special Intensive Revision, they should file a case in the Supreme Court, but they are not going to court because there is no document to prove that there is a flaw. During the time of Nehru and Indira Gandhi, people who worked in their homes and their relatives were appointed as Election Commissioners”, he said.

He took exception to Congress leaders opposing the court’s direction to appoint a Special Investigation Team to look into irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission and termed this as the extent to which Congress leaders would go to oppose reforms for political gains.