Kangra: BJP leader and former Union minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday launched a sharp attack on opposition parties, accusing them of targeting constitutional institutions whenever they face electoral defeats.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of Navratri celebrations in Himachal Pradesh, Thakur said opposition parties accept Electronic Voting Machines and the Election Commission of India when they win elections, but begin questioning the same institutions after losing.
“Lies have no legs to stand on. Those who want to pursue politics based on falsehoods and continuously target constitutional institutions have nothing to gain from it,” Thakur said. He further alleged that certain opposition leaders were acting in accordance with the agenda of foreign forces and attempting to weaken Indian democracy.
Defending the Election Commission’s SIR of electoral rolls amid ongoing protests, Thakur argued that removing the names of deceased voters, duplicate entries, and individuals who have migrated does not amount to denying legitimate voting rights.
He questioned the opposition’s objections, asking whether deceased individuals, voters with duplicate registrations, or those who have relocated should be allowed to vote from multiple places.
Referring to the electoral revision process in Himachal Pradesh, the BJP leader noted that voters were given several months to raise objections. He added that political party representatives, including booth-level agents, had ample opportunities to participate in the exercise, questioning why protests were being organized against removing ineligible entries.
Addressing the restrictions on public demonstrations, Thakur stated that political parties and organizations must adhere to established rules, secure permissions, and inform authorities about expected gathering sizes.
“There is no objection to anyone holding a protest or demonstration, provided it is conducted according to the rules. But a country cannot function if some people believe they are above institutions, rules and the law,” he said.
Earlier, extending his greetings on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, Thakur noted that millions of devotees across the country visit temples every year to seek the blessings of the goddesses.
