Ashoka accuses Congress of undermining constitutional bodies by targeting EC
Senior BJP leader R Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Congress of undermining constitutional institutions by targeting the Election Commission and said the Chief Election Commissioner could not be removed through street protests.
Addressing reporters here after participating in the BJP's Seva Sankalpa programme, the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly said constitutional bodies such as the EC were governed by established rules and procedures.
"There are rules and regulations to remove the Chief Election Commissioner. He cannot be removed on the streets," Ashoka said, referring to the Congress' protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi and elsewhere.
Ashoka alleged that the Congress accepted the Election Commission only when election results were favourable to the party.
"When Congress wins by a huge margin, the Election Commission appears to them as great but when it loses, they blame the EC," he said.
He was referring to Congress criticism of the EC over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and said protests against constitutional bodies were contrary to democratic principles.
"Sitting on the road and shouting and screaming will not serve any purpose. That is not a Constitutional value," Ashoka said.
He also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of selectively questioning institutions such as the EC, CBI, ED and the judiciary.
Ashoka further expressed confidence that the NDA would return to power in Karnataka in the 2028 Assembly elections.
"Just as it is certain that the sun and moon will rise in 2028, it is equally certain that the NDA government will come to power. D K Shivakumar cannot prevent it even if three D K Shivakumars come together," he said.
The BJP leader also demanded an apology from Chief Minister D K Shivakumar over his reported remarks concerning religious seers.
Ashoka rejected Shivakumar's contention that his remarks had been distorted by the media and alleged that the chief minister was now retracting his comments.
"You (Shivakumar) yourself said that all the heads of the maths should serve you. After saying that, you are now retracting and saying your words were distorted," Ashoka said.
He accused the Congress of disrespecting Hindu religious leaders and challenged Shivakumar to make similar remarks at gatherings of leaders from other faiths.
Shivakumar, however, clarified on Tuesday that his comments at a recent programme involving Veerashaiva seers were directed at voters and not the religious leaders.
"The other day, at a programme of one of Veerashaiva Swamijis, I spoke about certain issues. I never told people to disrespect any Swami. I was speaking to the people, to the voters, not to the Swamis," he had said.
Shivakumar said he had urged people to serve voters and told the seers that they should protect them while the government would extend support.
"I don't know who in this state has as much respect for the seers as I do, or as much respect for scholars as I do. But I certainly respect all of them," he said.
The chief minister also said he had always respected seers and followed the principle of respecting people irrespective of caste or religion.
"I am a deeply religious person, and I believe in the strength of my religion. I always bow at the feet of the seers," he said.
Ashoka was speaking after taking part in the BJP's Seva Sankalpa programme in Chitradurga, organised to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years in public office as chief minister and prime minister.
