Fadnavis Unleashes Scathing Attack: 'Go to Nepal' Jibe at Rahul Gandhi Over 'Vote Theft' Claims

In a fiery retort that has sent political tremors, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has launched a no-holds-barred attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Fadnavis, speaking with characteristic assertiveness, vehemently dismissed Gandhi's allegations of 'vote theft' and his appeals to Gen Z voters, going so far as to suggest that if Gandhi lacks faith in India's democratic process, he is welcome to 'stay in Nepal'.

Fadnavis's sharp rebuke came in response to Rahul Gandhi's recent statements questioning the integrity of the electoral process and the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Gandhi had reportedly urged young voters, specifically Gen Z, to 'protect democracy' from what he termed 'vote theft' – a narrative that has been consistently pushed by the Congress party after perceived electoral setbacks.

"Rahul Gandhi repeatedly speaks of 'vote theft'. If he believes votes are stolen, then he should go to Nepal and stay there," Fadnavis declared, his words echoing the BJP's strong defense of India's electoral system.

He underscored that the nation's democratic processes are robust and transparent, and that questioning their sanctity is tantamount to insulting the very foundations of Indian democracy.

The Deputy CM lambasted Gandhi for what he described as a pattern of behavior: first losing elections, then casting aspersions on the democratic machinery.

"First, they lose elections, then they accuse the Election Commission, the Prime Minister, and even the people of India of stealing votes," Fadnavis asserted. He emphasized that such accusations are not just politically motivated but also deeply disrespectful to the mandate given by the populace.

Addressing the specific appeal to Gen Z, Fadnavis expressed confidence in the discernment of young voters.

He argued that Gen Z is intelligent, well-informed, and understands the nuances of the democratic system. "Gen Z knows everything. They are intelligent. They are not interested in Rahul Gandhi's stories of vote theft; they are interested in development, in progress, and in the future of the nation," Fadnavis stated, refuting the idea that young people could be easily swayed by what he termed 'baseless narratives'.

Fadnavis reiterated the BJP's stance that the Lok Sabha election results, despite falling short of their internal targets, represent the clear will of the people.

He called upon all political parties, especially the opposition, to respect the democratic outcome and refrain from undermining public trust in the electoral system with unsubstantiated claims of fraud or manipulation. The political battlelines appear to be drawn even sharper post-elections, with both sides engaging in intense verbal jousts over the very nature of India's democratic future.