Jaipur: Union minister Pralhad Joshi Saturday launched a sharp attack on Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, accusing the party of questioning constitutional institutions, courts and the democratic process whenever it faces electoral defeats.Addressing a news conference at BJP state headquarters in Jaipur, Joshi alleged that Congress was attempting to create an atmosphere of confusion, fear and instability in the country.He said the Congress leadership was repeatedly trying to relaunch a “failed project” under different names despite its rejection by the people. Claiming that people close to Prashant Bhushan and Rahul Gandhi were openly discussing a change of govt and regime change, Joshi said, “Elections are the only constitutional means of changing a govt and power could change only through the mandate of voters.”
Union minister Pralhad Joshi addresses media at BJP HQ in Jaipur, Rajasthan on 31 October 2026
He alleged that Congress was citing Bangladesh as an example of regime change and Gandhi was endorsing such ideas. Referring to reports of violence and atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, he said it was inappropriate to advocate political instability in India.Questioning Gandhi’s allegations of vote theft, Joshi cited Karnataka Legislative Council elections, claiming Congress lost all four seats in ballot-paper polls. In elections to 28 assembly seats, it won only one. He also cited Tripura local body elections, where Congress suffered defeat despite the use of ballot papers.Referring to former chief election commissioners M S Gill, T N Seshan and Navin Chawla, he questioned Congress’s record and attitude towards Election Commission. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was committed to ensuring independent and impartial electoral institutions.On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Joshi questioned Congress’s allegation that nearly 13 crore voters had been deleted from electoral rolls. He asked whether all names should be restored without verification, pointing out that many voters were deceased, had permanently shifted or could not be traced. He said, “Eligible citizens could still apply online and Congress should cooperate in cleaning up electoral rolls.”Objecting to Congress protests during Diwali, Joshi alleged, “Demonstrations are disrupting business activities and causing traders’ losses estimated at around Rs 20,000 crore. The economy was registering 7.8% growth despite global challenges and the country had more than 2.40 lakh startups.”Referring to his tenure as Rajasthan BJP in-charge, Joshi said he remained in the state throughout his assignment and attributed Congress’s electoral defeats to a lack of effort by its leadership, alleging that leaders neither worked hard themselves nor provided party workers adequate opportunities to grow.
