BJP MP Tejasvi Surya attacked Congress in a public interaction in Hubballi on Tuesday (November 3), saying the party was instigating political instability and weakening people’s confidence in constitutional institutions. Addressing a youth dialogue programme, Surya said the Congress made allegations of vote theft and objections to SIR (Special Intensive Revision) of electoral rolls.
The BJP leader also strongly disapproved of the controversy over an alleged sting operation in Karnataka and said developments there had dented the state’s image. “Everyone found guilty should be punished strictly, and political parties must give more opportunities to young people who do not have political family background,” he said.
Tejasvi Surya Accuses Congress of Undermining Constitutional Institutions
During his speech, Surya alleged that Congress has been trying to create an atmosphere of instability in the country in the last few months and weakening people’s confidence in constitutional institutions by repeatedly questioning election results and electoral processes.
The BJP MP said Congress accepts the electoral system when it wins elections but asks questions about the process when it loses.
He referred to the party’s allegations of “vote chori” and its criticism of the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Surya said Congress had questioned electoral processes even before the current SIR began.
The MP also referred to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls when Congress won 44 seats. “Wasn’t there any such concern about the electoral system then? SIR-related allegations against the Election Commission were not part of political discourse then,” he asked.
Surya Questions Congress Over Election Victories
Surya also referred to Congress victories in states like Karnataka and Kerala. “If you (Congress) think the electoral process is not reliable, why did you accept election results and form governments in those states?” he said.
He asked Congress leaders whether they would challenge the legitimacy of governments formed after their electoral victories.
The BJP MP also accused Congress of electoral malpractice over several decades. These were political allegations he made during his speech and not independently established findings.
His comments come at a time when the BJP and Congress are locked in political disagreement over revision of electoral rolls, eligibility of voters and functioning of the Election Commission.
The BJP has defended SIR as an exercise to maintain accurate electoral rolls while the Congress has criticized its implementation and how it will affect eligible voters.
Tejasvi Surya Reacts Strongly to Karnataka Sting Operation Row
Another major part of Surya’s speech was about the controversy over an alleged sting operation against Karnataka political figures.
He was displeased with developments and said the controversy had become an embarrassment for the state. He said families were not able to watch television or read newspapers because of allegations and discussions on the issue.
Surya asked whether the controversy had affected Karnataka’s image and said people in other states were watching what happened.
He also asked what kind of message the state was sending to society through such incidents. He felt that the controversy should be ended and everyone found involved should be punished suitably.
The BJP MP asked for an end to what he called unhealthy politics and said public life should have standards of dignity and responsibility.
What is the Karnataka Sting Operation Controversy?
The alleged sting operation controversy has also led to political confrontation between leaders of Congress, BJP and JD(S).
The matter came to light when a video was circulated on social media allegedly involving former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Siddaramaiah termed the allegations as fabricated and approached police for an investigation.
The Bengaluru Central Crime Branch is investigating the matter. In an update issued on October 29, police said evidence collected during the preliminary probe did not corroborate the incident shown in the video, and they were also looking into people and digital channels through which it was circulated.
Politicians have traded accusations over who made the video, who was investigating it and whether powerful people were behind it too. But nobody has yet been able to say for sure who made or commissioned it.
Against this background, Surya demanded that those responsible should be punished and said the controversy should not continue to affect the reputation of the state.
Surya Calls for More Opportunities for Young People in Politics
Apart from criticising the Congress and commenting on the sting operation row, Surya also talked about greater youth participation in politics.
He said political parties should give opportunities to young people from different backgrounds (including those without established political connections).
He believes that people should be encouraged into public life on the basis of their abilities and interest in serving society rather than family or political background.
He said political platforms must be opened to students, young professionals and first-generation political entrants.
BJP's Youth Outreach Programme in Hubballi
Surya’s interaction in Hubballi was part of BJP’s statewide youth outreach campaign ‘Prajaprabhutva Ulisi, Aarajakathe Alisi’ (Save Democracy Eradicate Anarchy).
The campaign was announced as a month-long exercise in which discussions were to be held with college students, young professionals and people from different fields. Programmes were planned at more than 500 locations across Karnataka by the BJP.
The Hubballi event was intended to be a forum for discussion on democracy, electoral reforms, constitutional institutions and political participation.
Surya’s comments brought together several issues that are currently dominating Karnataka’s political discourse (SIR, allegations of vote theft, alleged sting operation, and greater opportunities for young people in politics).
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