Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday launched a strong counterattack on Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of spreading misinformation through his repeated allegations of “vote theft” ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.

Addressing an election rally in Dinara, Rohtas district, Singh questioned the credibility of Rahul Gandhi’s claims and urged him to formally approach the Election Commission if he genuinely believed voter fraud was taking place.Singh said, “If Rahul Gandhi thinks that the votes of the people of Bihar are being stolen, why does he not file a written complaint with the Election Commission? Can politics not be done by speaking the truth? Is it important to lie to have a successful political career?”

Rahul Gandhi had earlier alleged “large-scale voter fraud” in the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, claiming that around 25 lakh fake votes existed in the state’s electoral list. He said that such irregularities undermine the foundation of democracy.

However, Rajnath Singh dismissed Gandhi’s charges as baseless and politically motivated, questioning his commitment to social justice. “If Rahul Gandhi is so worried about the backward classes and Dalits, why did he not give a backward-class leader the chance to become the Leader of Opposition? The NDA ensures equal and adequate representation for all,” he asserted.

Taking aim at the Mahagathbandhan’s election promises, Singh criticized their “unrealistic assurances” to the public. “These people want to become successful by lying to people. I want to ask RJD and Congress—how is it possible to give a government job to every household? It’s impractical and misleading. We will focus on generating employment opportunities for those seeking work. Farmers will receive ₹9,000 under the Kisan Samman Nidhi once we form the government,” he declared.

The Defence Minister also condemned Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s controversial remark linking Congress with a particular community, saying, “I was shocked to hear the CM say ‘Congress matlab Musalmaan, Musalmaan matlab Congress’. They have achieved political success by dividing Hindus and Muslims. We will not indulge in such politics. Our politics is based on justice and humanity.”

The first phase of Bihar elections, which concluded recently, recorded a historic voter turnout of 65.08%, the highest in the state’s electoral history. The second phase for 122 seats is set for November 11, and results will be announced on November 14.