Rahul Gandhi Alleges RSS Capture Of Institutions In Lok Sabha While BJP's Nishikant Dubey Cites Rajiv Gandhi's EVM Role

In a fiery Lok Sabha debate on electoral reforms yesterday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the government, alleging 'institutional capture' by the RSS. Gandhi claimed that after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, the 'wholesale capture of India's institutional framework' began, citing the appointment of Vice Chancellors based on affiliation rather than merit. He accused the Election Commission of colluding with the ruling party to commit 'vote theft'. Countering these allegations, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey reminded the House that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were actually introduced by the Congress party. Dubey stated, 'This EVM was brought by Congress... in 1987, as a pilot project, Rajiv Gandhi brought it.' Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed Gandhi's speech as disappointing, urging for substantive suggestions. The heated exchange highlights the deepening political divide over the integrity of India's electoral process.