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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Rickelton's ton in vain as SRH beat MI by 6 wickets
Mumbai (PTI): Ryan Rickelton's whirlwind unbeaten ton was overshadowed by Heinrich Klaasen's unbeaten 65 as Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets in an IPL match here on Wednesday.
Chasing an imposing 244-run target, Travis Head (76 off 30) and Abhishek Sharma (45 off 24) shared 129 runs for the opening wicket to set the platform for SRH.
Klaasen (65 not out off 30 balls) then displayed his all-round hitting abilities to guide SRH home with the help of Nitish Kumar Reddy (21) and Salil Arora (30 not out off 10) in 18.4 overs.
Earlier, Rickelton's knock powered MI to 243 for five.
MI rode on a 93-run stand between Rickelton (123 not out off 55 balls) and Will Jacks (46 off 22) in 7.1 overs for the opening stand to power the side.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya scored a valuable 31 off 15 balls before being dismissed.
Praful Hinge (2/54), Eshan Malinga (1/29), Sakib Hasan (1/39) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1/31) were the wicket-takers for SRH.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indian: 243 for 5 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 123 not out; Praful Hinge 2/54).
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 249 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Travis Head 76, Heinrich Klaasen 65 not out; AM Ghazanfar 2/51).
