Rahul Gandhi: 'Puppet CEC Must Go, But Puppeteer Pair Must Be Held Accountable'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), asserting that the CEC and all others involved in what he termed a 'criminal assault on democracy' would be held accountable. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Gandhi said the 'puppet has to go' but emphasized that the 'puppeteer pair'—a reference to the government leadership—must also face consequences.

Gandhi's remarks come amid growing opposition allegations that the Election Commission has failed to act impartially on complaints of electoral malpractices and misuse of government machinery by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress has repeatedly demanded the CEC's resignation, citing concerns over the transparency of the 2024 general election process. The BJP has dismissed these accusations as baseless and politically motivated.

The statement is likely to intensify the political standoff between the opposition and the government, with potential implications for public trust in India's electoral institutions. It remains to be seen whether the Congress will pursue formal legal or parliamentary action, and how the Election Commission and the government will respond to the escalating rhetoric.