Congress Challenges PM Modi on Varanasi MLC Poll Losses
Congress criticizes PM Modi for his comments on MLC elections, urging him to reflect on BJP's losses in Varanasi.
Congress points out BJP's defeat in Varanasi during MLC elections.
Jairam Ramesh urges PM Modi to introspect rather than criticize others.
The BJP secured 16 out of 28 seats in the Legislative Council elections.
On October 29, 2026, the Congress party responded sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks regarding their performance in the recent MLC elections. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized that instead of criticizing the opposition, Modi should reflect on the BJP's failure to secure both seats in Varanasi, his own parliamentary constituency. Ramesh highlighted that voters across various cities, including Nagpur and Lucknow, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister's policies.
Ramesh's comments came in the wake of Modi's taunts directed at the Congress for its poor showing in the MLC elections, despite the use of paper ballots, which the opposition has advocated for in their campaign against electronic voting machines (EVMs). He stated that the Prime Minister's focus should shift from trolling the Congress to addressing the pressing issues faced by the populace, such as inflation and unemployment.
The Congress leader further challenged Modi's confidence in the electoral process, suggesting that if he truly believes EVMs do not influence outcomes, he should commit to conducting future elections using paper ballots. This statement reflects the ongoing debate about the integrity of the electoral process in India, particularly concerning the use of technology in voting.
In the recent Legislative Council elections, the BJP and its allies managed to win 16 out of the 28 available seats across four states. The Congress party secured only one seat, while the Samajwadi Party emerged victorious in five seats in Uttar Pradesh, including two in Varanasi, further complicating the BJP's narrative of dominance in the region.
Looking ahead, the Congress party is likely to continue its critique of the Modi administration, especially as the political landscape evolves with upcoming elections. The focus will remain on addressing voter concerns and challenging the ruling party's policies as they prepare for future electoral contests.
