New Delhi, Dec 16: The BJP on Monday seized upon Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s criticism of the Congress and its leadership to launch an attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of failing to lead and unfairly targeting Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra took aim at Gandhi during a press conference, stating, “Leadership is not earned by demand but by demonstrating capability. You cannot impose yourself as a leader.” He further added that Abdullah’s blunt remarks reflected growing discontent among Congress allies over the conduct of its leadership.
Abdullah’s Critique of Congress Leadership
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Omar Abdullah called on the Congress to justify its leadership role within the INDIA alliance, rather than assuming it was a natural right. The National Conference (NC) leader highlighted that leadership must be earned and not taken for granted.
He also dismissed the Congress’s skepticism towards EVMs, pointing out the inconsistency in their stance. Abdullah remarked, “When you get over a hundred MPs using the same EVMs and celebrate it as a victory, you can’t then question the credibility of these machines when results don’t go your way.”
He cited his party’s own experience in Jammu and Kashmir, where the NC won assembly elections despite earlier losing in the Lok Sabha polls conducted with the same EVMs.
BJP’s Response
Patra backed Abdullah’s comments, accusing the Congress of hypocrisy and alleging that the INDIA bloc, spearheaded by the party, was nothing more than a “scam.” He noted that opposition alliance members often fight elections separately and project different leaders as their face, highlighting a lack of unity and coherence.
Congress Leadership Under Fire
The BJP spokesperson claimed that the Congress’s allies were beginning to question the Gandhi family’s legacy and influence within the opposition. Abdullah’s remarks, according to Patra, were a reflection of this growing frustration, especially regarding Rahul Gandhi’s perceived shortcomings as a leader.
The BJP has leveraged Abdullah’s candid critique to bolster its defense of EVMs and to further undermine the opposition alliance ahead of the upcoming electoral battles.
