Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Opposition parties, accusing them of undermining key institutions of Indian democracy, including government agencies, the Election Commission, electronic voting machines (EVMs), the media, and even the judiciary. He said such actions amount to an “attack on the core of Indian democracy” and warned that the people of the country would respond decisively.
In a post on social media platform X, Rijiju stated that all Opposition parties have been targeting multiple constitutional and democratic institutions. He alleged that their criticism of investigative agencies, electoral systems, and the judiciary reflects a pattern of attempting to weaken public trust in the democratic framework. He further added that the electorate would eventually give them a “befitting reply” and “teach a lifetime lesson.”
Rijiju’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions surrounding recent electoral developments, particularly in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency. The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently ordered a complete repoll in all 285 polling stations in Falta following reports of severe electoral irregularities during voting held on April 29. The Commission described the situation as a “subversion of the democratic process,” triggering widespread political debate.
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The ECI has already scheduled fresh polling in Falta for May 21 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., with counting of votes set for May 24. The decision has also led to the exclusion of Falta from the general counting process scheduled for May 4 across the rest of West Bengal’s constituencies. In addition, repolling was ordered in 15 booths across Diamond Harbour and Magrahat Paschim constituencies, further intensifying scrutiny of the electoral process in the region.
According to official sources, Falta witnessed multiple complaints of irregularities, including allegations of EVM tampering, surveillance cameras being switched off in some booths, and delays in reporting technical issues to control rooms. In certain cases, tapes allegedly used on EVM units were reportedly removed mid-day after a significant portion of voting had already taken place, raising concerns about procedural integrity.
Amid these developments, political exchanges between the ruling party and Opposition have intensified, with both sides trading accusations over the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. Rijiju’s statement adds to the escalating rhetoric, as parties continue to clash over institutional credibility and electoral conduct ahead of the counting and repoll phases.
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