Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 6: Senior Congress leader and MLC B K Hariprasad has accused the BJP of attempting to secure electoral victories through unconstitutional and undemocratic means, during a press conference in Mangaluru on Wednesday.
Speaking on the Bihar elections, Hariprasad dismissed notions of a chaotic “tug-of-war” scenario, asserting that the real contest is between the Congress-led Mahagathbandhan and the Election Commission. “One must watch carefully what happens when the umpire steps onto the field,” he remarked.
On Haryana, where he held responsibility, Hariprasad alleged that in eight constituencies approximately 22,000 votes were missing. “In 210 polling booths, photographs of Brazilian models were used to cast votes,” he claimed, adding that the BJP had previously engaged in the theft of MLAs and, as Rahul Gandhi has stated, is now involved in vote manipulation.
“Through these methods, the BJP is attempting to win elections in violation of the Constitution and democratic principles,” he said.
Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri row
Hariprasad condemned Kageri’s remarks that “Jana Gana Mana” is not India’s national anthem. He demanded that charges of treason be filed against him. “Our national anthem was composed by Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel laureate. The BJP’s acts insult Tagore, who symbolises our culture, and Gandhi. This makes their conduct clearly anti-national,” he stated.
Ministers’ visits to Delhi
Responding to questions about ministers’ trips to Delhi, Hariprasad said, “How do you know they go for a particular purpose? I myself travel to Delhi very often. There is no need to assume ill intent. Decisions within the Congress are taken by state legislators and national leaders, not by individuals.” Regarding speculation about a ministerial berth for himself during the cabinet expansion, he added, “If Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi say something, we follow it—that’s all,” he added.
RSS and social issues
Hariprasad launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). “From the atrocities against children to the situation in Kashmir, BJP ministers have stood by accused parties. The RSS has taught us nothing and poses a threat to Sanatana Dharma. In the past 100 years, this organisation has endangered our religion and nation,” he said.
He also criticised those who previously opposed the Taliban but are now inviting them and providing Rs 200 crore in aid, adding that Congress cannot support such measures.
He reiterated that Congress stands for secularism, pluralism, and constitutional governance, and alleged that BJP’s tactics threaten these democratic values. Addressing claims about Congress members with RSS backgrounds, he said, “There may be two or three, but their names have not come to my attention. Their culture here is different, and we have reformed them—they have adapted.”
Hariprasad also claimed that exit polls in Haryana were favourable to Congress, but “we lost due to voter fraud. Votes of loyal Congress supporters were stolen,” he said.