 |
|
The nomination process for Priyanka Gandhi's candidacy in the Wayanad bypolls has sparked controversy, with the BJP accusing the Congress of disrespecting its president, Mallikarjun Kharge. The accusation stems from a video that circulated on social media, showing Kharge waiting outside the room where Priyanka was filing her nomination papers. The BJP seized on this, using the video to allege that the Congress harbors hatred for Dalits, given Kharge's identity as a Dalit leader.
However, a closer look at the events revealed a different narrative. An India Today reporter present at the nomination filing process provided a detailed account of what transpired. Priyanka, running behind schedule, arrived at the district collector's office at 1.24 pm, after leaving a rally midway while Kharge was speaking. According to Election Commission rules, the nomination filing process is videographed, and only one proposer is required for candidates from recognized national or state parties.
Upon arrival, Priyanka informed the returning officer that her mother and brother were delayed in a meeting and would arrive shortly. She also stated that her husband and son would leave when they arrived. The returning officer, however, directed them to enter during the submission of the second set of nomination papers. Priyanka submitted her first set of papers at 1.25 pm, and minutes later, Sonia Gandhi arrived. Soon after, Kharge and Congress MP KC Venugopal arrived, but were initially prevented from entering by the guard at the collector's office. The returning officer was scrutinizing the nomination papers at this time, and the guard was following protocol.
After the initial scrutiny was completed, Robert Vadra and his son left, and Kharge was allowed to enter the collector's office during the submission of the second set of nomination papers. Notably, Rahul Gandhi was also made to wait outside until the scrutiny of his first set of papers was completed before being allowed to enter.
The BJP, however, chose to highlight only the segment of the video showing Kharge waiting outside the office, using this isolated incident to attack the Congress. Their statement alleged that the treatment of Kharge reflected a larger pattern of disrespect towards Dalits within the Congress.
The incident highlights the dangers of selectively presenting information and the potential for misinterpretations to fuel political discourse. While the BJP's accusations might resonate with certain sections of the population, the actual events suggest a more mundane explanation for Kharge's initial wait, linked to procedural requirements of the nomination process. It remains to be seen whether the BJP's narrative will gain traction and what impact this controversy will have on the upcoming elections.
Source: Congress chief snubbed at Priyanka Gandhi's nomination? Here is what happened