New Delhi: Maharashtra Congress MLC Ashok Jagtap, known as Bhai Jagtap, ignited a major political firestorm with his controversial remarks against the Election Commission of India (ECI), labelling it a “dog” sitting outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bungalow. This controversial statement, made in response to the recent Maharashtra Assembly election results, has prompted swift and strong action from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“Election Commission toh Kutta hai (Election Commission is like a dog, acting as a dog), sitting outside Narendra Modiji’s bungalow,” he said.
Mumbai: Congress leader and MLC Bhai Jagtap on Maharashtra Election results says, “(Election Commission toh Kutta hai) The Election Commission is like a dog, acting as a dog, sitting outside Narendra Modi ji’s bungalow. All the agencies that were created to strengthen our… pic.twitter.com/EMgFlX6jJm
— IANS (@ians_india) November 29, 2024
Jagtap’s comments, which accused the ECI of being under pressure from the Prime Minister and acting as a puppet for the BJP-led government, have been met with outrage. He further alleged that various agencies, including the CBI and ED, were also operating under the influence of the BJP-led central government. “All the agencies that were created to strengthen our democracy have now become puppets, acting under the influence of Narendra Modi ji. These agencies, which were meant to safeguard our democracy, are unfortunately being misused. The ongoing incidents in Maharashtra and across the country show how the system is being manipulated,” he added.
His claims also included allegations of EVM tampering and irregularities in the election process, asserting that the BJP’s victory was achieved through manipulation of the electoral machines. “This is an unexpected (polls) verdict. We cannot believe it… People in the state were totally against the (ruling) MahaYuti regime, but the entire credit for it goes to the EVMs. Yes… EVMs tampered… I will say hacked at some places,” news agency IANS quoted Jagtap as saying.
Despite the furore his remarks caused, Jagtap refused to apologise, defiantly stating that he stands by his statement and that the ECI should be acting independently, like former Chief Election Commissioner T N Seshan. “I will not apologise at all, not even a bit…If they are working under pressure from the PM and other ministers then what I have said is right. I will not apologise…Election Commission exists to further strengthen the democracy of the country, and not to serve someone. I stand by what I said. Election Commission should work like T.N. Seshan…Democracy is being disreputed because of you,” he said.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On his “kutta” remark for Election Commission, Congress leader Bhai Jagtap says, “I will not apologise at all, not even a bit…If they are working under pressure from the PM and other ministers then what I have said is right. I will not… pic.twitter.com/xmJ9cfUgas
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024
The BJP has responded forcefully to Jagtap’s comments, filing a formal complaint against him with both the Election Commission and the Mumbai Police Commissioner. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he had personally filed the complaint, demanding action against Jagtap for allegedly abusing the election body.
I filled complaint with Election Commission & Police Commissioner Mumbai to take action against Congress Bhai Jagtap for abusing Election Commission
निवडणूक आयोगाल कुत्रा शिवी बद्दल काँग्रेस भाई जगताप वर कारवाई करण्यासाठी मी निवडणूक आयोग आणि पोलीस आयुक्तां कडे तक्रार केली आहे pic.twitter.com/TZpyfN4jLy
— Kirit Somaiya (@KiritSomaiya) November 30, 2024
“I filled complaint with Election Commission & Police Commissioner Mumbai to take action against Congress Bhai Jagtap for abusing Election Commission,” BJP leader Kirit Somaiya posted on X.
