New Delhi, February 20. Congress leader Udit Raj has unleashed a barrage of criticism against the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the central government, spotlighting gaps in digital infrastructure, social divides, and a toxic political climate.
In a pointed attack, Raj highlighted India’s monumental achievement in creating digital identities for 1.4 billion citizens through Aadhaar. ‘If the nation can manage such a vast digital ecosystem, why can’t the Election Commission provide comprehensive digital voter data to all stakeholders?’ he questioned during a press interaction.
Raj drew attention to Rahul Gandhi’s longstanding demand for electronic voter lists, which remains unfulfilled. He accused the ECI of failing to implement essential digital measures to eliminate duplicate entries in voter rolls, undermining the integrity of elections. ‘Is this deliberate obstruction, or are payments being withheld to stall progress?’ he probed, suggesting systemic reluctance.
Shifting to social fault lines, Raj urged addressing caste-based discrimination before raising alarms over religious demographics or conversions. He dismissed claims that UGC guidelines target Muslims or Christians, asserting that opposition comes from caste-conscious groups instead. ‘Islam’s historical spread wasn’t through the sword,’ he added, challenging prevalent narratives.
Raj painted a grim picture of rising hatred, referencing Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s remarks branding Rahul Gandhi as a national threat and calling for harsh measures. ‘This rhetoric fuels division,’ he warned, likening the current atmosphere to the pre-independence era when RSS and Hindu Mahasabha vilified Mahatma Gandhi.
The Congress leader connected recent threats against Gandhi, allegedly from a Karni Sena member, to this historical pattern of incitement. As elections loom, Raj’s outburst underscores deepening concerns over electoral transparency and communal harmony in India’s democracy.