Guwahati, 12 October (HS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegations of vote theft, challenging him to explain whether Narendra Modi had also become Gujarat Chief Minister through vote theft when the Congress was in power at the Centre.

Sarma said in a Press Conference at Assam Lok Bhawan on Monday that Rahul Gandhi should resign as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and ask the Congress governments in Kerala and Karnataka to resign as well.

Pointing out that the Congress was in power at the Centre when Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Sarma said the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had appointed the Chief Election Commissioner.

“Rahul Gandhi should clarify whether Narendra Modi also became the Chief Minister of Gujarat through vote theft,” the Assam CM said.

He further pointed out that Modi became the Prime Minister in the same election in which Rahul Gandhi became the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Questioning Gandhi's allegations, Sarma asked whether the Congress leader had also secured his position through vote theft.

The Chief Minister said he was ready to contest elections in Assam through ballot papers.

Sarma Accuses Congress of Targeting Constitutional Institutions

Sarma alleged that Rahul Gandhi had been staging a political drama in Delhi over the past two to three days. He accused the Congress and Gandhi of acting under the influence of foreign forces and claimed that they did not respect the Election Commission, the Supreme Court or Parliament.

He alleged that after targeting the Election Commission, the Congress had now started questioning the Supreme Court. Sarma said such alleged political pressure tactics would not be tolerated and accused Gandhi of showing little concern for the country's younger generation.

Questions Rahul Gandhi's Remarks on Sanatan Dharma

The Assam CM also criticised Rahul Gandhi over his invocation of Lord Shiva. Sarma said Gandhi, whom he accused of opposing the Ram temple, should learn to respect Sanatan Dharma before invoking the name of Lord Shiva.

He further alleged that Gandhi was dragging Hindu deities into political controversies.

Raises Development and Northeast Peace Issues

Sarma also targeted some protesters, alleging that pessimistic and ideologically radical elements were launching agitations with the support of foreign forces. He claimed that such elements did not want India's development and were not interested in maintaining peace in the Northeast.

The Chief Minister further alleged that these groups did not support the action taken by the Indian Army inside Pakistan under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

Questioning the political strategy of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, Sarma said political leaders should act responsibly on issues concerning constitutional institutions and national security.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash