BJP misusing money; EC creating atmosphere of intimidation: Gehlot on Bengal polls

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot alleged on Thursday that the BJP is involved in the large-scale misuse of money and institutions during the ongoing West Bengal elections. Speaking to reporters at Jaipur airport after returning from West Bengal, Gehlot stated that predicting the electoral outcome at this stage is difficult.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot alleged on Thursday that the BJP is involved in the large-scale misuse of money and institutions during the ongoing West Bengal elections. Speaking to reporters at Jaipur airport after returning from West Bengal, Gehlot stated that predicting the electoral outcome at this stage is difficult. ''Wait until the 4th. It is a close contest, and making any prediction right now is not possible,'' he said. He further asserted, ''The BJP is misusing money to an unprecedented extent and also misusing the Election Commission to a great degree. Since Independence, the role of the Election Commission in Bengal this time has created an atmosphere of intimidation that has never been seen before. The intimidation concerning the SIR is a separate issue.'' Gehlot accused the Election Commission of India of failing to ensure a level playing field. ''The primary duty of the Election Commission is to safeguard democracy by ensuring free and fair elections, regardless of who wins,'' he emphasised. Additionally, he claimed that a significant number of eligible voters were unable to cast their votes. ''If a person who is eligible to vote cannot do so, it raises serious concerns about the credibility of the electoral process,'' he stated. He alleged that security deployments and other measures were being used to influence voters, creating an atmosphere of fear.