Amit Shah Slams Opposition's Democracy Claims, Predicts NDA's Bihar Victory

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has criticized the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, stating that attempts are being made to delegitimize democracy in India and that allegations of 'vote theft' only emerge when the BJP or its allies win elections.

During an exclusive interview with NDTV's CEO and Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal at the NDTV Power Play event on Saturday, Shah criticized the Opposition leader's foreign trips and disputed Congress's claims about being denied speaking time in Parliament.

"Attempts to delegitimize democracy have been ongoing for the past 11 years and have intensified since Rahul Gandhi became the main leader of the Congress and subsequently the leader of the opposition. However, I have complete faith in our citizens, and our judiciary remains neutral. The opposition takes to the streets with every accusation instead of approaching courts. They also avoid parliamentary debates, preferring to stage walkouts," the minister explained.

Addressing allegations by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi about insufficient speaking time in Parliament, Shah clarified that speaking time is allocated proportionally, with Congress actually receiving 10% more time than their calculated share.

"When Congress is allocated time, Rahul Gandhi is frequently abroad. Then he suddenly appears in Parliament demanding to speak immediately. Parliament doesn't function that way - it operates according to established rules. When it's Congress's turn to speak, Rahul Gandhi decides who will talk. He could use that entire time himself, but he lacks substance. After delivering about 10 lines, he encounters difficulties. So they create excuses and walk out," Shah remarked.

"Congress remains in denial and cannot acknowledge any positive developments. If they win an election, they raise no questions about the Election Commission and hurry to take their oath. Why did they take oath in Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal? But when they lose, they cry 'cheating'. Initially, some citizens took these claims seriously, but now people understand the reality. Our Election Commission and judiciary are robust. As a 75-year-old democracy, India cannot be manipulated," he asserted.

Two-Thirds Majority

With the first phase of voting in Bihar scheduled for Thursday, Shah expressed confidence that the NDA would secure a two-thirds majority, winning 160 of the 243 Assembly seats.

"NDA will win 160 seats in Bihar and form the government with a two-thirds majority," the minister stated.

When asked about the NDA's chief ministerial candidate, especially since the Mahagathbandhan has nominated RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Shah reaffirmed that the elections would be contested under the leadership of JDU chief Nitish Kumar.