Rahul Gandhi Always Finds Something to Criticise: Arjun Meghwal on Voter ID-Aadhaar Row

Speaking to reporters in Bikaner, Rajasthan, Meghwal accused Gandhi of routinely opposing government initiatives, arguing that technological changes should not automatically become a subject of political criticism.

Gandhi had described the Centre's proposal to replace Aadhaar with Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), along with biometric authentication for accessing welfare benefits, as a "conspiracy" and an attempt at "rights theft".

Responding to his remarks, Meghwal said, "Rahul Gandhi criticises every positive initiative these days, without considering the reasons behind it or the purpose it is meant to serve. Technological advancement is an ongoing process, so what is there to criticise? No matter how good our work is, he always finds something to criticise. He even criticised the surgical strikes and air strikes. What more can one say about him?"

Meghwal targets Ashok Gehlot over ECI meeting row

The Union Minister also criticised former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot over his remarks concerning the Opposition's attempt to meet the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

Meghwal said that anyone seeking an appointment with the CEC at the Election Commission of India (ECI) was required to submit a memorandum along with the names of the delegation members. The Commission, he said, would then decide the time and schedule the meeting.

He alleged that the Opposition delegation had neither submitted the required list nor prepared a memorandum, but had instead insisted that the meeting be held at the All India Radio complex in Delhi.

"If someone creates an atmosphere of disorder in a democracy, the public cannot remain silent. Ashok Gehlot should look back at his own actions at the All India Radio (Akashvani) complex in Delhi. Was he not creating chaos there?" Meghwal said.

He further questioned the Opposition's insistence on holding the meeting at Akashvani, describing it as an attempt to create disorder.

Meghwal said the BJP had launched its 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy) campaign to make people aware of what it described as the Opposition's conduct.

Minister invokes 1975 Emergency

Responding to allegations that the BJP was itself promoting anarchy, Meghwal urged critics to consider the Congress's political record, particularly the Emergency imposed in 1975 under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

He alleged that the Congress had weakened democratic institutions during that period and argued that protests which put pressure on constitutional bodies were not in the interest of democracy.

"In 1975, their approach was aimed at weakening democracy. Have we not witnessed the Emergency? Now, they are trying to create an atmosphere of anarchy and bring about a change in power. Is this what they call 'teaching a lesson in democracy'? They accuse others of promoting anarchy, but in reality, it is Congress leaders themselves who are doing so," Meghwal said.

The Minister said the campaign was intended to explain the BJP's position to the public and raise awareness about what he described as attempts to undermine democratic institutions.