MLC Polls: BJP Mocks Congress Over Ballot Results as Varanasi Loss Stirs ProtestFollowing the declaration of results for 28 Legislative Council seats across four states, the Bharatiya Janata Party targeted the Congress over its electoral performance. The elections were conducted via ballot papers, prompting BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, to criticise the Congress's prior vote theft allegations and ballot paper demands.
In counter-attacks, Congress challenged the central government to conduct upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections using paper ballots, while maintaining demands regarding the Election Commission. Meanwhile, the BJP faced setbacks after losing key council seats, including Varanasi to the Samajwadi Party, which triggered local protests over counting processes, as well as Nagpur.
Analysts noted that both parties face introspection, with Congress struggling despite the use of ballot papers—including losses in Karnataka—and the BJP conceding crucial strongholds in Uttar Pradesh.