BJP Lawmaker Condemns Congress Call for Ballot-Paper Re-Poll

In a sharp rebuttal, Ravi Shankar Prasad condemned the Congress party’s call for a fresh poll using ballot papers, labeling the proposal as an irresponsible move that threatens electoral stability. He quoted Mallikarjun Kharge’s demand to cancel the present election and start over, describing it as a ploy to manipulate the result rather than a legitimate grievance. Prasad reiterated that the Election Commission, bolstered by the Supreme Court’s affirmation of its power to revise voter lists, is constitutionally equipped to address any irregularities. He warned that the opposition’s narrative undermines confidence in the process and could lead to booth capture, intimidation of Dalits and economically weaker sections, and a broader erosion of democratic norms. Concluding his statement, Prasad urged the India alliance to focus on campaigning within the rule of law, rather than seeking to derail the democratic exercise.