'Blot on democracy': Piyush Goyal slams Rahul Gandhi for President accepted 'vote chori' charge claim

It is a matter of shame that Rahul Gandhi has no respect for any constitutional authority. He has no understanding of the law or his constitutional duties, Piyush Goyal said

Attacking Rahul Gandhi for his claim that President Droupadi Murmu did not deny the "election theft" charge, Union minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday (October 10, 2026) called the Congress leader a "blot on Indian democracy" and demanded an apology for his "discourteous behaviour" with the country's highest constitutional authority.

A delegation of INDIA bloc leaders met President Murmu on Friday (October 9) evening and handed over a memorandum on "vote chori", with Gandhi claiming he was shocked that the President did not deny the "election theft" charge and "accepted" what the Opposition leaders stated.

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"It is a matter of shame that Rahul Gandhi has no respect for any constitutional authority. He has no understanding of the law or his constitutional duties, both as a citizen of India and as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha," Mr. Goyal alleged.

"I condemn Rahul Gandhi and the opposition members who accompanied him (to the meeting with President Murmu) for their arrogance and discourteous behaviour with the highest constitutional authority," Mr. Goyal told reporters.

"Mr. Gandhi also disrespected every soldier in the country, as President Murmu is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces," Mr. Goyal claimed, adding that the remarks undermined 140 crore people of the country.

"Rahul Gandhi should immediately apologise to the President of India. He should apologise to every member of the armed forces. He should also apologise to 140 crore Indians who today feel ashamed that Rahul Gandhi represents the opposition," Mr. Goyal said.

The senior BJP leader also demanded an apology from the Congress, including its president, Mallikarjun Kharge, for Mr. Gandhi's remarks.

"Rahul Gandhi is a blot on Indian democracy. He has complete disregard for the Constitution of India," Mr. Goyal said.

"He should apologise to 140 crore Indians for running the agenda of foreign forces. He should apologise for deriding constitutional authorities who are doing their job with due diligence for the better future of our beloved motherland," the BJP leader said.