Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday criticised Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and the Congress over the INDIA bloc’s march to the Election Commission. Rijiju accused the party of repeatedly targeting constitutional institutions and argued that such criticism would neither strengthen democracy nor help the Congress regain public support.

Rijiju described the Congress’s criticism of the Election Commission and the Supreme Court as a “daily drama” and urged Gandhi to focus on public service. “This daily drama by the Congress Party, Rahul Gandhi, and their associates — constantly attacking the Election Commission and the Supreme Court — needs to stop now. How long will this drama continue?” he told reporters.

His remarks came hours after Gandhi led a march by Opposition MPs towards the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi. The Opposition has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while Gandhi alleged that nearly 300 MPs from both Houses were stopped from meeting the poll panel.

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Gandhi questioned why elected representatives were not being allowed to meet the Election Commission and said the Opposition had reached its doorstep to “save democracy”. He also accused the government and constitutional authorities of undermining democratic institutions, claims that have been rejected by the ruling side.

Rijiju responded by referring to the Congress’s long period in power and the Emergency while questioning its criticism of democratic institutions. He also accused the party of promoting narratives allegedly advanced by “anti-India forces”. Rijiju further targeted Gandhi’s political campaign, arguing that political lineage alone would not guarantee electoral success.

“Simply being born into a specific family will not make you Prime Minister anymore,” Rijiju said, urging the Congress to strengthen its grassroots connect instead of relying primarily on social media campaigns. He argued that the party should focus on public service and winning voters’ confidence, adding that continued work among people would help build trust.

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