Ashok Gehlot criticises BJP response to Election Commission protests

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot accused the BJP on October 10 of discrediting opposition parties for questioning India’s Election Commission.

The Congress politician responded to remarks by BJP president Nitin Nabin about protesters and alleged foreign involvement. Gehlot said peaceful demonstrations and questions about electoral administration were legitimate democratic activity.

In a post on X and comments to reporters, he challenged the portrayal of protests as attempts to destabilise the country. He also objected to language about dealing strictly with demonstrators.

Gehlot defended Rahul Gandhi and accused the government of limiting opposition politicians’ opportunities to raise concerns in Parliament and approach the Election Commission. These were allegations made by the Congress leader.

The exchange forms part of the political dispute over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Gehlot’s criticism does not establish that the electoral authorities manipulated voter lists or that protesters acted on behalf of foreign powers.