New Delhi, March 18 -- A massive political slugfest erupted days after the Election Commission announced the Lok Sabha election schedule. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi triggered a row by raising concerns about the operation of Electronic Voting Machines, to emphasize the Opposition's struggle against the might of the state.

After Rahul Gandhi's 'Shakti' remark stirred controversy, the BJP leaders criticised him for his statement, whereas the Congress rallied behind the Wayanad MP and came in support of him.

Rahul Gandhi, in his comments made on Sunday in Maharashtra, said, "There is a word 'Shakti' (might) in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti (might of the state). The question is, what is that Shakti and what does it entail for us? ...