Congress’s Ramesh Chennithala Questions CM Fadnavis’s Remarks on Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations Against Election Commission

Pune, 12 August 2025: Senior Congress leader and Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for responding to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI). “Has Devendra Fadnavis become the head of the Election Commission? He is the Chief Minister, not the ECI chief. Let the Election Commission respond,” Chennithala said.

Speaking to the media during a two-day workshop for newly appointed Congress office-bearers at Khadakwasla, Pune, Chennithala noted that Rahul Gandhi’s questions were aimed at the ECI, not the state’s chief minister. The event was attended by Maharashtra Congress President Harsvardhan Sapkal, Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, Legislative Council group leader Satej “Bunty” Patil, senior leader Balasaheb Thorat, and others.

Defending Gandhi’s remarks, Chennithala said they were part of a broader fight to protect democracy, accusing the BJP of “stealing votes” in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Bihar. He asserted that Gandhi would not be intimidated by the ECI’s notice and announced that the INDIA bloc would continue its campaign with full strength. “We have launched a state-wide signature campaign, with Congress workers going door-to-door to gather support,” he added.

He also criticised the central government’s foreign policy, alleging that recent “threats” from U.S. President Donald Trump reflected a failure in diplomacy. “During Congress rule, no American president dared to threaten India. Now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not even respond to such threats,” Chennithala claimed, urging the government to act to protect national pride.

On state politics, Chennithala described the Maharashtra government as “the most corrupt in the country,” accusing it of multiple scams and reneging on promises such as farm loan waivers. He alleged that the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme had failed, leaving thousands of women excluded, and said the ruling alliance’s three parties were too busy infighting to govern effectively.

Regarding alliances for upcoming municipal polls, Chennithala said discussions were ongoing. “An alliance may or may not happen; a decision will be taken soon. As for Raj Thackeray’s MNS, they are not part of our bloc. His possible understanding with Uddhav Thackeray is their personal matter. If two brothers come together, we have no objection,” he said.