“What are they complaining about?”: Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh Defends Rahul Gandhi Amid BJP’s Election Commission Complaint

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday came out in support of senior leader Rahul Gandhi, after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) approached the Election Commission over his remarks about investments being diverted from Maharashtra to Gujarat. The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of trying to create divisions between the two states.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh responded to the BJP’s allegations, stating that there was nothing controversial in Rahul Gandhi's statement. “What are they complaining about? What has Rahul Gandhi said? Everyone has said it. It has been reported in the newspapers that several projects and investments meant for Maharashtra have been shifted to Gujarat by the Prime Minister,” said Ramesh. He went on to accuse the BJP of discriminating against Maharashtra. “That is what we have said, that you have discriminated against Maharashtra,” he added.

The Congress leader also questioned the BJP's commitment to its development slogan, “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” urging the party to ensure that development reaches all states, not just Gujarat. “You speak of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. So, bring development in all states,” Ramesh emphasized.

The Rajya Sabha MP further criticized the BJP for allegedly pressuring investors to shift projects to Gujarat, despite Maharashtra having the necessary infrastructure. “Those who want to invest in Maharashtra; you can't threaten them and tell them to go to Gujarat. We will welcome investments in Gujarat, but don’t stop those who want to invest in Maharashtra,” he said. “Maharashtra has the infrastructure in place, and that’s what Rahul Gandhi has said. The data supports this,” said Jairam Ramesh.

Ramesh also expressed confidence that the grand old party and its allies would secure a clear mandate in the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. “We are confident that the public will support us,” he said, dismissing the BJP’s alleged negative campaigning. “The negative political campaigning of the PM, Amit Shah, and other BJP leaders, who are busy spreading communal poison, will be rejected by the public,” he said.

A BJP delegation, led by Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, met Election Commission officials on Monday over Rahul Gandhi’s comments made on November 6 in Maharashtra. Meghwal accused the Congress leader of lying and attempting to sow discord between states. “Rahul Gandhi tried to lie once again for the Maharashtra election, attempting to pit states against each other,” Meghwal said, adding that Gandhi had also misrepresented claims about the BJP allegedly threatening the Constitution.

The BJP demanded that the Election Commission take action, urging an FIR to be filed against Rahul Gandhi under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) Section 353. Meghwal also stated that Gandhi’s behavior was habitual, despite warnings from the Election Commission. “He is not deterring from this despite warnings and notices,” Meghwal claimed. The issue has now been referred to the Election Commission for further review.​