Cong claims Bihar poll results reflect 'vote chori' on 'gigantic scale'; Rahul vows in-depth review
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Friday alleged that the election results in Bihar reflect "vote chori on a gigantic scale" with Rahul Gandhi vowing an in-depth review of the outcome and saying "we could not achieve victory in such an election that was not fair from the very beginning".
Gandhi also said the Congress and the INDIA bloc will conduct an in-depth review of the poll results and make more effective efforts to save democracy.
"I express my heartfelt gratitude to those millions of voters in Bihar who expressed their trust in the Mahagathbandhan. This result in Bihar is truly surprising. We could not achieve victory in such an election that was not fair from the very beginning," Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X.
"This fight is for the protection of the Constitution and democracy. The Congress party and the INDIA bloc will conduct an in-depth review of this result and make more effective efforts to save democracy," the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that while respecting the decision of the people of Bihar, his party will continue to fight against those forces that are engaged in weakening democracy by misusing constitutional institutions.
"We will conduct a thorough study of the election results and will present a detailed perspective after understanding the reasons for the outcomes. We are deeply grateful from the bottom of our hearts to those voters in Bihar who supported the 'mahagathbandhan'," Kharge said in a post in Hindi on X.
"I want to tell every Congress worker that there is no need for you to feel discouraged. You are our pride, honour and glory. Your hard work is our strength.
"We will leave no stone unturned in raising awareness among the people. We will continue the struggle to save the Constitution and democracy by staying among the people," he said.
"This fight is long and we will fight it with complete dedication, courage and truth," the Congress president added.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "Without doubt the election results in Bihar reflect vote chori on a gigantic scale -- masterminded by the PM, the HM and the Election Commission."
"The Indian National Congress renews its resolve to continue with even greater strength its campaign to protect the Constitution and save our democracy," Ramesh said.
The ruling NDA decimated the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Friday to retain power reaffirming Prime Minister Modi's popularity and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's enduring appeal and dealing a body blow to the Congress and ally RJD.
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RCB beat MI by 18 runs after batters fire
Mumbai (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli blasted half-centuries as the defending champions beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt (78 off 36 balls) and Kohli (50 off 38 balls) stitched together a 120-run stand for the opening wicket before Patidar scored a rapid 53 off just 20 balls as RCB posted 240 for 4.
In response, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222 for 5, with RCB spinner Suyash Sharma (2/47) putting the skids on the home side with a double strike in the eighth over, from which they could not recover.
Sherfane Rutherford top-scored for MI with an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls.
While opener Rohit Sharma appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue and had to retire hurt on 19, his partner Ryan Rickelton made 37, while Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) were the other contributors for MI.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240 for 4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Virat Kohli 50, Rajat Patidar 53, Tim David 35 not out).
Mumbai Indians: 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71 not out, Ryan Rickelton 37, Hardik Pandya 40; Suyash Sharma 2/47).
