BJP Spokesperson Criticizes Rahul Gandhi's Election Fraud Allegations

In a recent statement, BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his allegations of electoral fraud in Maharashtra. Poonawala described Gandhi as opportunistic and lacking evidence to support his claims. This response comes after Gandhi's assertion that the BJP, with the Election Commission's backing, manipulated elections in Assam and West Bengal. Gandhi also aligned with Mamata Banerjee's claims of fraudulent wins in Bengal, suggesting widespread electoral irregularities across various states. The ongoing political discourse highlights the tensions between the BJP and Congress as they prepare for future elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 9, 2026, 16:56 IST

BJP Responds to Rahul Gandhi's Claims

On May 9, 2026, BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala condemned the allegations of electoral fraud made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi against the BJP. Poonawala labeled Gandhi as opportunistic and hypocritical, asserting that he lacks any evidence of election rigging in Maharashtra. Speaking to a news media outlet, Poonawala stated, 'Rahul Gandhi is both opportunistic and hypocritical.' He pointed out that while Gandhi accepts the election results in Kerala, he blames the Election Commission for the outcomes in Assam and Bengal.

Allegations Without Evidence

Poonawala further accused Gandhi of making baseless claims without any proof, emphasizing that Gandhi has yet to provide any evidence of electoral fraud in Maharashtra. He described Gandhi's accusations as fabricated. These remarks followed Gandhi's assertion on May 4, where he claimed that the BJP, with the support of the Election Commission of India (ECI), had stolen assembly elections in Assam and West Bengal, where Congress faced defeat.

Gandhi's Agreement with Mamata Banerjee

Gandhi expressed agreement with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's assertion that over 100 seats in the state were won through fraudulent means. On the social media platform X, he stated that the elections in Assam and Bengal are clear examples of fraud supported by the BJP and the Election Commission. He added, 'We agree with Mamata Ji that more than 100 seats in Bengal were won through manipulation.' Furthermore, he claimed that similar electoral irregularities occurred in previous elections in Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and the upcoming 2024 Indian general elections.