Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Ashoka Accuses Congress of Undermining Constitutional Bodies
R Ashoka, a BJP leader in Karnataka, criticised Congress over its protests and comments about the Election Commission.
He said the Commission should not be challenged through street protests and should be questioned through established rules.
He also accused Congress of accepting the Commission only when election results go its way.
The report says Congress leaders had raised concerns about the Commission’s work on electoral rolls.
Ashoka also said Chief Minister D K Shivakumar should apologise for remarks about religious leaders.
Shivakumar said he had been speaking to voters, not telling people to disrespect Swamis.
He said he respects seers and scholars.
Ashoka also predicted that the NDA would win the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections.
R Ashoka accused Congress of undermining constitutional bodies by targeting the Election Commission.
Ashoka said a Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed through street protests and pointed to established procedures.
He alleged Congress praises the Election Commission when it wins elections but criticises it when it loses.
Ashoka called on D K Shivakumar to apologise over remarks concerning seers; Shivakumar said he was addressing voters, not Swamis.
Ashoka expressed confidence that the NDA would form the government after the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections.
- Who
- R Ashoka, a senior Karnataka BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition, made the accusations; D K Shivakumar responded to criticism of his remarks about seers.
- What
- Ashoka accused Congress of undermining constitutional bodies and called on Shivakumar to apologise over remarks concerning seers.
- When
- October 7, described in the report as Wednesday; no year is specified.
- Where
- Chitradurga, Karnataka.
- Why
- Ashoka said protests against the Election Commission violated democratic principles and alleged Congress criticised it when election results were unfavourable.
Ashoka’s allegations
Shivakumar’s response
Protests and criticism of the Election Commission
Ashoka’s allegations
BJP leader R Ashoka said constitutional bodies such as the Election Commission should not be challenged through street protests, and accused Congress of accepting the Commission only when election results favour it.
Shivakumar’s response
The report gives no direct response from Congress to Ashoka’s allegations. It says Congress leaders had criticised the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Remarks about seers
Ashoka’s allegations
Ashoka said Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar should apologise for remarks Ashoka said showed disrespect to Hindu religious leaders.
Shivakumar’s response
Shivakumar said his comments were directed at voters, not Swamis, and said he respects seers and scholars.
- Speaker
- R Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition and senior Karnataka BJP leader
- Location
- Chitradurga, Karnataka
- Date
- October 7; the report identifies it as Wednesday but gives no year
- Institution discussed
- The Election Commission, including its role in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
- Chief Election Commissioner named
- Gyanesh Kumar
- BJP event
- Ashoka spoke after taking part in a Seva Sankalpa programme marking Narendra Modi’s 25 years in public office as Chief Minister and Prime Minister
- Election prediction
- Ashoka expressed confidence that the NDA would form the government after the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections