Congress Targets BJP Over Varanasi Loss, Nagpur Bastion Defeat and Ballot Paper DemandA political dispute has erupted between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party following the legislative council election results. The Congress questioned the ruling party over its electoral setbacks in key bastions, highlighting the Samajwadi Party victory in the Varanasi parliamentary seat as well as the loss in Nagpur.
In response, counterclaims were raised regarding the performance of the opposition in ballot polls across four states. The exchange also renewed the wider debate between both political parties concerning the conduct of elections through the ballot paper system.MLC Polls: BJP Mocks Congress Over Ballot Paper Defeat as SP Clinches VaranasiA major political clash erupted following the Legislative Council election results across four states, with the BJP targeting the Congress over its dismal performance despite the use of ballot papers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah took swipes at the Congress, noting the party failed to secure support even with paper ballots. In response, the Congress challenged the NDA to conduct all future elections through ballot papers.
Meanwhile, in Varanasi, the Samajwadi Party secured victory in MLC constituencies, prompting protests from BJP workers over counting irregularities.Congress Wins Nagpur MLC Polls; Retains RSS Bastion as Cadres Clash Outside Counting VenueCongress candidate Abhijit Wanjari has won the tightly contested Nagpur graduates' constituency Member of Legislative Council election, retaining the seat for a second consecutive term. The victory marks a significant political outcome for the Congress in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh bastion, which was heavily campaigned for by Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Wanjari defeated BJP nominee Sudhakar Kohale after gaining decisive second-preference votes from independent candidate Nitesh Karale. Following the declaration of results late at night, tensions flared outside the counting centre at Mankapur Sports Stadium in Nagpur, where Congress and BJP workers engaged in slogan-shouting and physical confrontations.
Police intervened to bring the situation under control and briefly detained several workers to restore calm outside the premises.Congress Ballot Push Questioned After MLC Results Amid Past EVM Hacking AllegationsA review of statements made by senior Congress party leaders highlights their sustained demand for conducting elections through paper ballots rather than Electronic Voting Machines. Congress leaders including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Member of Parliament Manish Tewari have repeatedly questioned the credibility of voting machines, alleging vote theft and manipulation across previous electoral exercises.
However, the recent Legislative Council election outcomes have raised questions regarding the party's narrative, presenting a contrasting ground reality after elections were held using ballot papers.