‘Insulted Hinduism’: BJP goes to Election Commission over Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Shakti’ remark

“While addressing the rally, Mr. Gandhi said – Hindu Dharm mein ek shabd hai Shakti. Hum ek shakti ke khilaaf lad rahe hain. Sawaal ye hai ki wo shakti kya hai? Raja ki aatma EVM mein hai. Ye sach hai. Raja ki aatma EVM mein hai,” the BJP’s memorandum said.

The BJP’s memorandum said, “… in Hinduism, Goddess Durga is among the most revered deities and is prayed by the name Shakti. This obnoxious statement against Hinduism and Hindu gods has deeply hurt the sentiments of Hindus as it was rendered with malicious intention of insulting the religious values associated with ‘Shakti’ and creates enmity among the religions so that the INC in general and Rahul Gandhi in particular can appease some religious community.”

The complaint added that since the word Shakti was associated with female deity and women, Rahul’s statement was also “misogynistic”.

The complaint also slammed the Congress leader for “questioning” EVMs: “Shri Rahul Gandhi further in his speech raised false and mischievous allegations with respect to the authenticity of the EVMs despite the authoritative pronouncement of the Supreme Court as well as clarifications issued by the Election Commission of India clearly stating that the concerns and doubts raised over the functioning of EVMs/VVPATs are ‘misconceived, devoid of merits and a regressive thought’.” It added, “…Rahul Gandhi with audacious impunity has been raising question marks on the functioning of the EVM and the role of the EC by relying on distorted facts and to intentionally spread misinformation… to lower the majesty of the court.”