New Delhi | October 7, 2026
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Congress following the INDIA bloc’s march to the Election Commission of India (ECI), questioning how long the Opposition’s confrontation with constitutional institutions would continue.
Rijiju accused the Congress of repeatedly targeting the Election Commission and the Supreme Court and urged the party to focus on public service and rebuilding support among voters.
Opposition March to Election Commission
The remarks came after INDIA bloc MPs marched from Parliament towards the Election Commission headquarters in New Delhi on October 6.
The Opposition demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The march was stopped by security personnel, after which Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders staged a sit-in near the ECI office.
Rijiju Questions Congress Strategy
Rijiju said the Congress should concentrate on serving people instead of repeatedly challenging constitutional bodies. He argued that political parties gain public support through their work and electoral performance.
He also criticised Rahul Gandhi’s political approach and said that family background alone cannot determine who becomes Prime Minister. These remarks were part of the BJP’s response to the Opposition’s protest.
Congress Raises Electoral Concerns
The INDIA bloc has maintained that its protest is aimed at alleged irregularities in the electoral-roll revision process and concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission.
Rahul Gandhi has demanded greater transparency and access to the poll panel. The Election Commission, however, said that no political party had formally sought an appointment with the Commission until 4 pm on October 6, according to its statement issued later that evening.
Political Dispute Intensifies
The exchange reflects the widening political dispute between the BJP and Opposition parties over electoral-roll revisions, the ECI and allegations of irregularities.
The BJP has rejected the Opposition’s allegations, while the Opposition continues to demand accountability from the poll panel. The Election Commission has defended the SIR process and its decision-making.
The confrontation is expected to remain a significant political issue as both sides continue to debate electoral transparency and the role of constitutional institutions.
