Siwan, Bihar: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Election Commission of engaging in widespread vote theft to manipulate election outcomes. In a fiery address at the Voter Rights Rally Gandhi claimed that evidence of electoral malpractice was uncovered in Maharashtra, sparking concerns about the integrity of India’s democratic process.
Gandhi stated that suspicions of vote theft by Modi, the BJP, and the Election Commission had lingered for some time but lacked concrete proof until recently. “We found evidence in Maharashtra,” he declared, alleging that approximately one crore fake votes were added to the voter list in the state following the Lok Sabha elections. He contrasted the outcomes of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, noting that while the opposition alliance won the former, the BJP-led coalition secured victory in the latter, raising red flags about electoral integrity.
The Congress leader revealed that his party sought access to the voter list and videography of the polling process from the Election Commission, but both requests were denied. Further investigation in Bangalore Central’s Lok Sabha constituency uncovered what Gandhi described as a deliberate addition of one lakh fake votes in a single Assembly seat, orchestrated by the BJP and the Election Commission.
Gandhi framed the alleged vote theft as an attack on the Indian Constitution, which he emphasized guarantees every citizen—regardless of caste, religion, or economic status—one vote. Holding up a copy of the Constitution, he asserted, “This Constitution gives one vote to everyone, not two. The same number of votes given to Anil Ambani or Mukesh Ambani is given to the poorest person in India.”
He accused Narendra Modi, in collusion with corporate giants of attempting to “undermine the rights of marginalized communities, including the poor, backward classes, Dalits, minorities, and women.” Gandhi warned that “vote theft was only the beginning, predicting that it could lead to the loss of other fundamental rights, such as access to ration cards and land ownership. He invoked the pre-independence era, reminding the audience of the discrimination faced by Dalits, who were once deemed untouchables, and credited Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Constitution for dismantling such inequities.”
Gandhi rallied the crowd to safeguard their voting rights, urging them to resist any attempts at vote theft. In a symbolic gesture, he asked the audience to turn on their phone flashlights, likening the light to the power of their vote. “This light is like your vote. You have one, and it’s yours,” he said, reinforcing the sanctity of individual voting rights.
The Congress leader vowed to expose similar instances of alleged vote theft in other states, including Haryana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. “We’ve caught their theft in Mahadevapura, and in the coming days, we’ll show the country where else the BJP and Narendra Modi are stealing votes,” he declared, accusing the BJP of being rattled by these revelations.
A Resounding Message from Bihar
Gandhi praised the people of Bihar for energizing the Voter Rights Rally, claiming that their collective voice had spread the phrase “vote thief” across the nation. He recounted anecdotes of even six-year-old children in Bihar confronting him with pledges to stop Modi from stealing votes. The crowd echoed his sentiments, chanting “vote chor” (vote thief) and “gaddi chhod” (leave the throne), signaling their demand for accountability.
Conclusion
Rahul Gandhi’s speech underscored his party’s commitment to protecting India’s democratic institutions and the constitutional rights of its citizens. By alleging systemic vote theft, he positioned the Congress as a defender of electoral integrity, calling on citizens to remain vigilant. As the rally concluded, Gandhi reiterated his resolve: “We will not let anyone attack this Constitution. Narendra Modi, listen carefully—there will be no attack on it.”
