Congress leader and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi addresses a public meeting ahead of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, in Surankote, Poonch, Monday, September 23, 2024.
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: In his first comments on Assembly elections, top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the party is analysing the “unexpected” results in Haryana and will apprise the Election Commission on complaints they were receiving from various constituencies in the state.
He refrained from going to the extent of repeating Congress' stand on Monday that it was “not possible for us to accept” the outcome, as victory has been “snatched” from them through “manipulation” though he appeared to support the plan to approach the poll body about suspicions raised by a section in the party.
"We are analysing the unexpected results of Haryana. We will inform the Election Commission about the complaints coming from many assembly constituencies. Heartfelt thanks to all the people of Haryana for their support and to our 'babbar sher' (tigers) workers for their tireless hard work,” he said.
“We will continue this fight for rights, for social and economic justice, for truth, and will keep raising your voice,” he posted on 'X'.
He also expressed his “heartfelt thanks” to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and said, “I.N.D.I.A's victory in the state is a victory of the Constitution, a victory of democratic self-respect”.
Congress’ hopes in Haryana were dashed as the BJP managed to rode back to power for a record third term, riding on anti-Jat consolidation against the Congress.
While Rahul's silence on Tuesday was noted, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said soon after the results were out that the Haryana result was “unexpected” and the party was assessing the public opinion.
“After talking to our ground workers, getting complete information and checking the facts, a detailed response will come from the party….Our hardworking workers need not feel disappointed,” he had said.
He did not refer to remarks at the press conference by Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh and Media and Publicity Department chairperson Pawan Khera on the allegations against the EVM.
Khera had claimed that some of their candidates complained about some EVMs having 99% battery strength even after many rounds of counting and the results from all such machines went against the Congress. However, he claimed quoting those candidates, those machines, whose battery strength was normal, between 60-70%, showed Congress candidates to be winning. EC denied the allegations.