Gadkari Rebuts TMC, DMK Claims of BJP's Influence on Election Commission

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari refuted TMC and DMK accusations of BJP's sway over the Election Commission. Allegations emerged amid protests by TMC supporters, following irregular activities involving electoral rolls. Gadkari affirmed BJP's commitment to fair democracy while highlighting developmental achievements as the party's strategy in upcoming state elections.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari dismissed accusations by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) regarding the Bharatiya Janata Party's alleged influence on the Election Commission of India. Gadkari accused the parties of misleading the public, asserting that the BJP remains committed to impartial, independent, and fair democracy.

These allegations came in the wake of TMC and DMK claims that the BJP was manipulating electoral rolls to disenfranchise marginalized communities. Gadkari, in his statement to ANI, emphasized that the BJP's strategy for the elections relies on its development initiatives and the trust it has garnered from the populace through tangible progress.

The heated atmosphere surrounding these allegations was further escalated by TMC's protests over reported irregularities in voter registration forms. A particular incident where a BJP worker was allegedly caught with a large number of Form 6 applications led to protests and clashes. Subsequently, security measures, including the imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, were enforced to prevent further violence.

(With inputs from agencies.)