Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday for alleging that he possesses an “atom bomb of evidence” to prove the Election Commission is engaging in “vote theft” in Bihar. Speaking at a media house event in Patna, Singh challenged Gandhi to present his evidence immediately, cautioning him to ensure his own safety in doing so.

Singh, a former BJP president, took a sarcastic jab at Gandhi, referencing his past unfulfilled claims. “He had threatened Parliament with an earthquake, but when he spoke, it turned out to be a damp squib,” Singh remarked, questioning the credibility of Gandhi’s latest allegations.

He defended the Election Commission, describing it as an institution of “unquestionable integrity” that is working diligently to ensure free and fair assembly polls in Bihar. Singh deemed Gandhi’s statements as frivolous and unbecoming of the Leader of the Opposition, especially given the Congress party’s history of undermining democracy during the Emergency in 1975.

The Union minister framed the upcoming Bihar assembly elections as a critical juncture, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) promising continued progress and the opposition INDIA bloc risking a return to the state’s past of lawlessness and caste conflicts.

Singh lauded NDA ally and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his transformative 20-year leadership, which has reshaped the state’s image. “Bihar is no longer seen as a basket case. Even The Economist, which once called it the armpit of India, now acknowledges its remarkable turnaround,” Singh stated, highlighting the state’s progress under Kumar’s governance.

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Singh’s remarks underscore the intensifying political battle in Bihar as the assembly polls approach, with the NDA defending its record against opposition claims. The Defence Minister’s challenge to Gandhi sets the stage for a heated electoral contest, with the integrity of democratic institutions at the forefront of the debate.

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