Jairam Ramesh Defends Rahul Gandhi After BJP Complains To EC; Here's What He Said

The Congress defended Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday after the BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) over his remarks suggesting that Maharashtra's investments were being redirected to Gujarat.

The BJP argued that Rahul Gandhi's comments could incite division between states.

In a statement to ANI, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the basis of the complaint, saying, "What are they complaining about? Rahul Gandhi only highlighted what's already been reported-that several projects initially set for Maharashtra were shifted to Gujarat by the Prime Minister."

Ramesh also pointed out the irony in the BJP's slogan "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," remarking that true development should encompass all states. "You can't tell investors interested in Maharashtra to shift to Gujarat," he said, emphasizing Maharashtra's established infrastructure.

He added, "We welcome investment in Gujarat, but don't undermine those who wish to invest in Maharashtra." According to Ramesh, the data supports Rahul Gandhi's claims.

Congress leaders have rallied behind Gandhi as they prepare for the upcoming Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections. Ramesh expressed confidence in the party's success, noting that BJP's divisive rhetoric would be rejected by the voters. "The public will support us," he stated, "and will reject the BJP's communal campaigning led by the PM, Amit Shah, and other party leaders."

On Monday, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal led a BJP delegation to the EC, alleging that Gandhi's November 6 comments in Maharashtra were misleading and incited rivalry between states. Meghwal further claimed that Rahul Gandhi had falsely accused the BJP of attempting to undermine the Constitution, a claim the BJP says is untrue. They requested that an FIR be lodged against Gandhi under Section 353 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), citing his repeated "misleading statements" despite previous warnings and notices.