Guwahati, 28 October (HS): The Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday alleged that Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi’s criticism of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the Election Commission in connection with the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election and Silchar municipal elections reflected the Congress party’s political frustration and failure of leadership.

BJP’s state media panellist Ranisha Dutta said that instead of analysing its organisational weaknesses and declining public support, the Congress leadership was questioning the electoral system.

She said electoral victories and defeats were a natural part of democracy and that blaming EVMs and the Election Commission whenever results went against a party was not acceptable for a responsible political organisation.

Dutta added that political parties had the right to raise specific concerns about the electoral process through appropriate constitutional and legal channels, provided they were supported by facts and evidence. However, questioning the credibility of the electoral system without evidence could create confusion among the public and undermine democratic values, she said.

Referring to Gogoi, who was elected from the Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency, the BJP spokesperson said the Nagaon and Silchar elections were politically significant for him. Instead of blaming EVMs prematurely, the Congress leadership should focus on strengthening its organisational structure, internal unity and grassroots support, she said.

She further argued that success in a Lok Sabha election did not automatically guarantee public support across all regions, as voters assessed political parties on the basis of their policies, leadership and performance in every election.

The BJP statement also referred to differences of opinion among senior Congress leaders over the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, claiming that these had raised questions about the party’s leadership and future political strategy. It said the Congress needed introspection, organisational reforms and efforts to regain public confidence.

In contrast, the statement credited the development initiatives undertaken by the Assam government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP’s grassroots organisational activities with helping the party strengthen its connection with the public.

Dutta said the people’s verdict was supreme in a democracy and that political parties should learn from electoral defeats, address organisational weaknesses and remain accountable to public expectations rather than rely on allegations. Maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions and respecting the electoral mandate were essential for a healthy democracy, she added.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash