Sambit Patra Counters Rahul Gandhi, Says CCTV Rules Part of Long-Standing Election Law

By A Staff Reporter

BJP MP Sambit Patra on Tuesday responded sharply to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in the Lok Sabha concerning the alleged destruction of CCTV footage after elections. Speaking in Delhi, Patra said Gandhi’s criticism stemmed from a lack of understanding of India’s election laws and urged him to familiarise himself with the established legal framework governing electoral disputes.

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi had questioned why CCTV footage linked to polling was destroyed after 45 days, implying that such a practice hinders transparency. Patra rejected the claim, explaining that the 45-day period is part of long-standing legal provisions that allow candidates to challenge election results.

“Rahul Gandhi asked why the CCTV footage is destroyed after 45 days of the election. I think Rahul Gandhi needs to learn a great deal about the election process in India,” Patra said. “It is the law of India that, within 45 days of an election, you can go to the court and challenge an electoral process. This law was not made after PM Modi became the Prime Minister. This law was made after India’s independence.”

Patra added that Gandhi still has time to seek relevant CCTV footage related to the Bihar elections. “For Bihar elections, Rahul Gandhi and Congress have 20 more days left. The CCTV footage are safe. If Rahul Gandhi wants, he can do his homework, and if he thinks he needs any CCTV footage from Bihar, he can ask for it,” he said.