Union Minister and Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale on Saturday strongly criticised Congress MP and LoP Rahul Gandhi for alleging vote theft during elections.

Addressing media persons in Bhubaneswar during his visit, Athawale said that such accusations were ‘baseless and politically motivated’.

“The Congress was in power for over 60 years. Rahul Gandhi should first explain what was happening to the votes during their rule. The allegation of vote theft is completely unfounded,” Athawale remarked.

He further defended the Election Commission of India, stating that it functions as an independent institution, free from any influence of the central government.

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