Poonawala's condemnation was triggered by Gandhi's suggestions of electoral malpractice after Congress lost to the BJP, which secured its third consecutive victory in Haryana, claiming 48 out of 90 seats. The Congress, which had been hopeful of a resurgence in the northern state, managed to win only 37 seats. The BJP spokesperson pointed out Gandhi's contradictory stance, highlighting that the Congress leader praised the electoral system when his party performed well in Jammu & Kashmir but expressed discontent when the results in Haryana did not favor him.
The Congress party, led by senior figures like Jairam Ramesh, has raised concerns about alleged irregularities during the counting process. These allegations include delayed updates on election trends and the manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). However, the ECI firmly dismissed these claims as unfounded. The BJP, seizing on this discord within the Congress, framed Gandhi's accusations as a reflection of his inability to handle defeat gracefully, further labeling his actions as symptomatic of the party's dynastic politics.
The election loss in Haryana is a significant blow to the Congress, which had invested considerable resources in attempting to challenge the BJP's dominance in the state. Despite the party’s initial optimism, the results pointed to deeper electoral challenges that Congress continues to face at the state level. Political observers have noted that internal divisions within the party, combined with a lack of a coherent message, contributed to its downfall. Senior Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge attempted to downplay the loss, assuring that a thorough review of the results would be conducted, though party infighting has been evident.
The BJP, on the other hand, swiftly capitalized on the situation, using the Haryana win to reaffirm its national political strength. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President J.P. Nadda have also emphasized the party’s continued popularity in key states despite emerging challenges from regional players. The Haryana win reinforces the BJP's narrative of governance and stability, which has been central to its electoral successes.
Gandhi's criticism of the ECI has drawn particular ire due to its timing, as he launched these accusations in the aftermath of what BJP leaders termed a legitimate and transparent electoral process. Poonawala's comments included accusations that Gandhi prioritizes family interests over national progress, further inflaming the ongoing debate about dynastic politics in India. According to the BJP, this reflects a broader issue within Congress, where leadership decisions and strategic direction are often dominated by the Gandhi family, sidelining other prominent figures within the party.