The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hit back at Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi following his explosive allegations of large-scale voter fraud across the country. Addressing the media, BJP MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra accused the Congress of "selective outrage" and questioned the legitimacy of their criticism.

“Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party never held a press conference in the states where they won elections,” Patra said. “The public of the nation is watching this selective outrage.”

Patra further challenged the Congress’s stance by pointing out the contradiction in celebrating their 99-seat victory in the Lok Sabha while simultaneously casting doubt on the Election Commission’s integrity. “If the Election Commission of India is compromised, as he claims, then how is the Congress celebrating its Lok Sabha performance?” he asked.

Taking a direct swipe at Rahul Gandhi’s tone and accusations, Patra said, “This is the peak of Rahul Gandhi’s frustration. Our party remained in the opposition for years, but none of our leaders ever threatened Election Commission officials in such a manner.”

The Election Commission of India (ECI) also formally responded to Gandhi’s allegations, dismissing them as “misleading.” In a public post on X (formerly Twitter), the ECI reiterated its stance and stood by the integrity of the electoral process.

The controversy further escalated when the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka issued a formal notice to Rahul Gandhi. Citing Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, the CEO has asked Gandhi to submit a signed declaration and provide specific names involved in the alleged fraud so that appropriate proceedings can be initiated.