We want answers, not attacks: Shashi Tharoor slams EC over poll panel's criticism of Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI): Congress MP Shashi Tharoor hit out at the Election Commission (EC) on Monday for attacking Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his poll-rigging claims, saying that instead of providing answers, the poll panel is insisting on formalities like an oath and an affidavit.
Participating in a protest march taken out by opposition MPs against the revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar and alleged "vote chori", Tharoor said "what we want is answers, not attacks".
"The Election Commission was asked a number of very serious questions by Rahul Gandhi. Those serious questions deserve serious answers. The Election Commission, instead of providing answers, is insisting on formalities like an oath," he told PTI.
"I honestly do not think there is any reason for it.... They do not have to insist on it. Secondly, the data that Rahulji is citing is Election Commission data, the EC can look at its own data," the former Union minister said.
"Seems to me that instead of getting stuck on formalities, they should address the serious doubts that have been raised in people's mind because the integrity of the electoral system is credible, essential and vital for our own democracy. It is too precious for us to tamper with," Tharoor said.
"So my own view very seriously is that questions have been asked and answers must be given. That is what all this is all about," he added.
Asked about the EC attacking Gandhi over his poll-rigging claims, Tharoor said, "What we want is answers, not attacks."
Later, in a post on X, the Congress leader said, "At the INDIA bloc MPs' protest today. We are all asking why @ECISVEEP could not give serious answers to the serious questions raised by @RahulGandhi, rather than insisting on formalities like an oath and an affidavit (when the data cited is all the EC's own data anyway)."
"It is very much in the interest of the Election Commission to dispel the doubts that have arisen in voters' minds about the integrity and the credibility of the electoral process. The flaws pointed out could easily be addressed and answers given that could set rest any fears of voting-list manipulation. The nation is truly entitled to a response," he said.
EC officials have been insisting on a signed declaration by Gandhi to substantiate his claims.
Gandhi on Thursday cited data from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls to claim that more than one lakh votes were "stolen" through five types of manipulation in an Assembly segment in Karnataka.
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Kumaraswamy accuses Cong govt of 'neglecting' farmers in Karnataka
Mysuru (PTI): Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday accused the Congress government in Karnataka of "neglecting" the farmers in the state and being involved in corruption.
The JD(S) leader took part in an event where President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 1066th Jayanthi celebrations of Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Mahaswamiji at Malavalli in Mandya district, which comes under his Lok Sabha constituency.
"I saw a report that 2,800 farmers have died by suicide after this government came to power (in state). The government seems to be not concerned about the farmers. This government on coming to power said that it will give Rs 24,000 crore as loan to 32 lakh farmers for their farming activities, but till November, about Rs 12,000 crore has been paid to 24 lakh farmers, limiting to what was there earlier by managing the books of account," Kumaraswamy said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "These things show the failures of this government. Also, there is a corrupt system. I will not speak about it now. After December 20, I will speak to you in detail. There are a lot of issues to share with you."
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Responding to a question, the JD(S) leader, who turned 66 today, said there is no use of giving any documents. "I'm waiting for the right time."
Regarding the Congress government introducing a bill against "hate speech" in the Assembly, Kumaswamy said it is aimed at silencing the opposition in the state, but they won't be successful.
"What do Congress leaders have to say about their workers' comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi?. He cited slogans -- 'Modi teri kabr khudegi, aaj nahi to kal khudegi' (Modi's grave will be dug.. if not today, then tomorrow) -- allegedly raised against Modi at a Congress rally in Delhi on Sunday.
