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BJP Challenges Source Credibility in EC Dispute
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has questioned the credibility of Jiji Thomson, a former Kerala chief secretary, following his allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The dispute intensified after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cited Thomson’s account to accuse the CEC of election "match-fixing" and recruiting candidates for the BJP while serving as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.
BJP leaders characterized the Congress party's reliance on Thomson's claims as an attempt to revive old narratives, describing the strategy as an "old file wearing a new mic." The party alleged that Thomson was an accused in the Kerala palmolein import case during his tenure as managing director of Kerala Civil Supplies under the Karunakaran-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government. BJP statements claimed that the UDF government later sought to withdraw the palmolein case, raising questions about Thomson's reliability.
Regarding the specific allegations against Kumar, the BJP stated that Thomson’s claim of a 2016 flight conversation could not be proven. According to reports, Thomson alleged that Kumar, then an IAS officer, asked about his post-retirement plans and proposed he become a Member of Parliament and Union Minister, a proposal Thomson reportedly rejected. The BJP asserted that Kumar allegedly suggested Thomson contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election on a BJP ticket during this conversation.
Rahul Gandhi cited Thomson’s account to allege that Kumar was involved in recruiting candidates for the BJP while serving as an IAS officer. Gandhi accused Kumar of election "match-fixing" based on these assertions. The BJP questioned Gandhi’s decision to cite Thomson’s account given the party's allegations regarding Thomson's past legal troubles and the UDF government's actions.
Congress Dismisses BJP Response, Cites Voter List Deletions
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra dismissed the BJP’s response to the Election Commission allegations as a "stale and weak story." Speaking to reporters in Wayanad on Friday, she stated that Congress had evidence to support its claims.
"I’m sorry, that’s a very stale and weak story. There are facts, there is evidence… my brother has shown it," Priyanka Gandhi said, rejecting the BJP's counter-allegations against Thomson. She emphasized that the Congress Working Committee would decide on future protest plans regarding the matter.
Priyanka Gandhi also highlighted significant discrepancies in the electoral rolls, observing that 13 crore voter names had been deleted from the lists. She warned that if BJP leadership was influencing the Election Commission to alter these records, it would amount to an "act of treason." Her comments underscored the Congress party's stance that the integrity of the electoral process is under threat.
Opposition Parties Join Critique of Election Commission
The criticism of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has extended beyond the Congress party. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra launched fresh attacks on the poll panel chief, aligning with the broader opposition narrative regarding alleged irregularities in the electoral system.
Moitra’s involvement signals a widening coalition of dissent against the Election Commission's conduct. The AAP and Trinamool Congress have joined the Congress in questioning the impartiality of the EC, adding to the pressure on Gyanesh Kumar as the political debate over election integrity continues to escalate across party lines.
