Rahul Gandhi claims 200 officials leaking info as BJP slams lack of proof and vision

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed at a press conference on Monday that around 200 government officials, including officers from the Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation, and Ministry of External Affairs, were in touch with the Opposition and passing on information. Addressing reporters at the party's Indira Bhawan headquarters in New Delhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha provided no names, evidence, or specific details to support the assertion.

Gandhi also targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, urging him to resign and "turn approver" over alleged electoral irregularities. Claiming that the poll chief was sending messages and struggling under pressure, Gandhi stated that opposition demonstrations would proceed without a fixed plan, comparing the agitation to "Lord Shiva’s Tandav" where anyone could join the procession.

BJP responds on leadership and constitutional record

The remarks drew an immediate rebuttal from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan rejected the comments, asserting that the Congress leadership lacked connection with India's cultural values and faith. Chouhan stated that the Congress had "no right to invoke the name of Lord Shiva" to justify political protests.

Highlighting the stability and democratic record of the Modi administration, Chouhan attributed the Opposition's successive electoral defeats to its own internal conflicts and "idea-less leadership" rather than constitutional bodies. He cited ongoing leadership friction within Congress ranks across several states, including Karnataka, Telangana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Chouhan further noted that the Congress had historically undermined constitutional norms by dismissing elected state governments on more than 90 occasions during its past tenures in power.

Security maintained across central Delhi

The Opposition's planned march towards the Supreme Court came as security agencies took pre-emptive steps to ensure public order and prevent traffic disruption across central Delhi. Personnel from the Delhi Police, Central Reserve Police Force, and Rapid Action Force established checkpoints and managed crowds to maintain normal city operations. Metro access at select central stations was regulated temporarily until 4 pm as part of security protocols.

Gandhi maintained that the visible police presence was an attempt to shield the Chief Election Commissioner. However, government officials maintained that security arrangements were focused entirely on public safety and smooth civic administration during peak hours in the capital.