Rahul demands CEC jail term, PM accountability; Shah counters with 1984 riots jab

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his criticism of India's electoral body on Monday, demanding that the Chief Election Commissioner face imprisonment and calling for action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gandhi's remarks marked a significant escalation in the opposition's ongoing dispute with the Election Commission of India over alleged electoral irregularities and bias.

Gandhi's statements came as part of the Congress party's broader campaign questioning the neutrality of the poll body during recent electoral processes. The opposition has repeatedly alleged that the commission has favoured the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claims the Election Commission has consistently denied.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah swiftly responded to Gandhi's attack, deflecting criticism by invoking the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Shah's retort was seen as an attempt to shift the narrative away from current electoral concerns by highlighting historical incidents associated with the Congress party's governance period.

The exchange underscores the deepening acrimony between the ruling government and the opposition over democratic institutions and electoral processes. Both sides have increasingly resorted to sharp personal attacks and historical grievances as political tensions mount ahead of upcoming state elections and potential national polls.

Neither the Election Commission nor the Prime Minister's office immediately responded to the latest charges and countercharges in this escalating political confrontation.