JAMMU, OCTOBER 10: Senior BJP leader and former minister Bali Bhagat launched a blistering attack on the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and Congress, accusing them of indulging in political theatrics, spreading distrust against constitutional institutions and mistaking publicity for public support.
Reacting to the viral video in which a woman passenger is heard telling CJP leader Saurav Das, “Shame on you!”, Bhagat said the incident was a reality check for an outfit that needed to understand the difference between genuine public service and political spectacle.
“The Cockroach Janata Party must understand that India is awake now. The people of this country cannot be fooled by dramatic stunts, provocative slogans and publicity-driven politics. You may manufacture headlines, but you cannot manufacture public trust. When your politics invites sharp questions from ordinary citizens, it is time to introspect instead of pretending to be the voice of the nation,” Bhagat said in the proposed statement.
Taking a direct swipe at the CJP leadership, Bhagat said, “Shame on a politics that places publicity above responsibility! The people of India are concerned about employment, development, security and their families’ future. They do not need political outfits turning every issue into a spectacle. Democracy is not a licence to create confrontation or inconvenience ordinary citizens.”
Bhagat also strongly criticised Congress for its continuing attacks on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission, saying that allegations of electoral wrongdoing must be supported by evidence and pursued through constitutional mechanisms.
“Congress must stop its politics of constant confrontation with constitutional institutions. If it has evidence of electoral irregularities, let it produce the facts before the competent authorities. Repeating allegations, questioning institutions at every opportunity and attempting to create suspicion without establishing the claims is not responsible opposition politics,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of electoral transparency, Bhagat said every genuine complaint concerning voter lists and election procedures deserved examination, but political rhetoric could not substitute for evidence.
“India’s democracy is strengthened by credible institutions, informed citizens and accountability. Every eligible voter must be protected, every legitimate grievance must be examined, and every allegation must be tested against evidence. But no political party should assume that shouting the loudest makes its claims true,” Bhagat added.
Bhagat said the CJP and Congress needed to recognise that the public was increasingly demanding accountability, substance and responsible conduct from political leaders.
“India is awake, India is aware, and India knows the difference between constructive politics and political drama. Public confidence cannot be won through stunts, manufactured outrage or attempts to undermine institutions for partisan advantage. The people will judge political organisations by their conduct, credibility and contribution to the nation—not by the noise they create,” he said.
Concluding his statement, Bhagat asserted that responsible politics must put citizens and the nation above narrow political ambitions.
“The message is clear: India will not be misled by theatrics. The country wants development, opportunity, security, transparent governance and respect for democratic institutions. Those who claim to represent the people must first demonstrate responsibility towards them. Public service is earned through work, not publicity,” Bhagat said.
