Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar on Friday criticised Opposition parties over their protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi. Rajbhar said the Opposition was using the Election Commission as an excuse and pointed to the BJP’s fall in Lok Sabha seats from 303 in 2019 to 240 in 2024.Key HighlightsOm Prakash Rajbhar spoke about the Opposition protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.He questioned claims of election theft by pointing to the BJP’s lower seat count in 2024.The BJP won 303 Lok Sabha seats in 2019 and 240 seats in 2024.Protests against the Election Commission and its work have been planned in Delhi and other places. What did Om Prakash Rajbhar say?Rajbhar said Opposition parties were looking for a reason to attack the Election Commission. He said the issue was being used as a political point against the poll body.“If there was theft, BJP’s seats would not have decreased from 303 to 240,” Rajbhar said.His comment referred to the change in the BJP’s Lok Sabha numbers between the 2019 and 2024 general elections. The BJP won 303 seats on its own in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. In 2024, its number fell to 240 seats.Rajbhar used this change while responding to Opposition criticism of the Election Commission.Why are Opposition parties protesting?The latest protests are linked to questions raised by Opposition parties and other groups about the work of the Election Commission.One major issue is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Critics have raised concerns about how voter lists are being checked and updated.A proposed protest was planned at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on October 2. Delhi Police did not give permission for the gathering and increased security in the area. Barricades were also placed around roads near Jantar Mantar.Other groups have also announced demonstrations against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Reports said protests were planned in Delhi and Mumbai on October 2. What is the Opposition saying?Opposition leaders and other groups have raised questions about the functioning of the Election Commission. They have also made allegations about problems in electoral rolls and the election process.The Indian Express reported that Opposition parties have raised issues linked to voter rolls, SIR and the way election rules are applied. These are allegations and political claims. They are being challenged by leaders from the BJP and its allies.Rajbhar has rejected the Opposition’s criticism. He said political parties should focus on their work among voters instead of targeting the Election Commission.Why did Rajbhar mention BJP’s 2019 and 2024 results?The BJP’s Lok Sabha result changed between the two elections.In 2019, the BJP won 303 seats on its own. In 2024, it won 240 seats. This means the party lost 63 seats compared with its 2019 result.The BJP still remained the largest single party in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, but it did not reach the 272-seat mark needed for a simple majority on its own. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, formed the government.Rajbhar referred to this change while questioning the claim that votes were stolen.Rajbhar’s earlier comments on Gyanesh KumarRajbhar has also spoken about CEC Gyanesh Kumar in recent days. In comments reported on October 1, he said Kumar became Chief Election Commissioner in February 2025. Rajbhar also pointed to BJP election victories that took place before Kumar became CEC. He questioned why Kumar was being blamed for election results that happened before he took charge.What happens next?The debate over the Election Commission is likely to continue as political parties and other groups raise questions about electoral rolls and election procedures.For now, Rajbhar has defended the Election Commission and criticised the Opposition’s protest. His main argument is based on the BJP’s change in Lok Sabha seats between 2019 and 2024.The Opposition, however, continues to raise questions about the election process and voter rolls. The Election Commission’s role and the SIR exercise remain part of the ongoing political debate.Also Read : ECI Orders Special Drive to Enrol Voters Left Out After Electoral Roll Revision
