‘Stain on democracy’: Piyush Goyal slams Rahul Gandhi for president accepting ‘vote chori’ allegations
Piyush Goyal speaking during the 31st Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit-Raiser on October 9, 2026 | Photo credit: ANI
Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday (Oct 10, 2026) hit out at Rahul Gandhi over his claim that President Draupadi Murmu did not deny allegations of “election theft”, calling the Congress leader a “stain on Indian democracy” and demanding an apology for his “discourteous treatment” of the country’s highest constitutional authority.
A delegation of INDIA bloc leaders met President Murmu on Friday (Oct 9) evening and handed him a memorandum on “vote chori”, with Gandhi saying he was shocked the president had not denied allegations of “election theft” and “accepted” what opposition leaders had said.
“It is shameful that Rahul Gandhi does not respect any constitutional authority. He does not understand the law or his constitutional duties, neither as a citizen of India nor as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha,” Mr Goyal said.
“I condemn Rahul Gandhi and the opposition members who accompanied him (to meet President Murmu) for their arrogance and discourteous behavior towards the highest constitutional authority,” Goyal told reporters.
“Mr Gandhi also disrespected every soldier in the country because President Murmu is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces,” Mr Goyal said, adding that the remarks undermined the country’s 140 million people.
“Rahul Gandhi should immediately apologize to the President of India. He should apologize to every member of the armed forces. He should also apologize to the 140 million Indians who are ashamed today that Rahul Gandhi represents the opposition,” Goyal said.
A senior BJP leader also demanded an apology from the Congress, including its president Mallikarjun Kharge, for Mr Gandhi’s remarks.
“Rahul Gandhi is a stain on Indian democracy. He is completely ignoring the Indian Constitution,” Goyal said.
“He should apologize to 140 million Indians for leading the agenda of foreign forces. He should apologize for making a mockery of the constitutional officers who are doing their job with due diligence for a better future of our beloved motherland,” the BJP leader said.
Published – 10 Oct 2026 20:46 IST