NEW DELHI, Sept 19: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reignited his allegations of “vote chori” (vote theft), accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of acting as an accomplice rather than a protector of democracy. This punitive statement was made during a press conference held on September 19, where Gandhi questioned the integrity of the polling body, particularly its Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar.
The core of Gandhi’s accusations revolves around alleged systematic deletions of Congress supporters’ votes. He claims that the ECI has failed to prevent these abuses, pointing to specific data from Karnataka’s Aland constituency as evidence. The Chief Election Commissioner denied these allegations, labeling them as “incorrect and baseless.” According to the ECI, “No deletion of any vote can be done online by any member of the public, as misconceived by Gandhi.”
Allegations of Vote Theft Intensify
In a striking social media post, Gandhi likened the ECI to an “election watchman” who “stayed awake, watched the theft, and protected the thieves.” This bold claim came a day after he intensified his call to action against supposed electoral malpractice. He urged the youth, students, and the Gen Z population to rise against these injustices, highlighting their role in defending the Constitution and democracy.
“Chunaav ka chaukidar jaagta raha, chori dekhta raha, choron ko bachata raha” translates to, “The election watchman stayed awake, watched the theft, and protected the thieves,” emphasizing his distrust in the ECI. This sentiment resonates among many voters who feel disenfranchised and concerned about the fair conduct of elections.
Evidence of Voter Manipulation
Gandhi presented further claims of electoral irregularities in Karnataka, suggesting that the deletion of approximately 6,018 votes occurred in a systematic manner. He also pointed to a disturbing situation in Maharashtra’s Rajura constituency, where 6,850 voters were supposedly fraudulently added through automated software. “The same system is doing this across several states such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar; we have proof of it,” he stated emphatically, addressing his audience at Congress’ Indira Bhawan headquarters.
At the press conference, he not only called on Gyanesh Kumar to fulfill his responsibilities but also articulated a demand for transparency. He insisted the ECI must provide requested information to the Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding their investigations into voter deletion.
Public Reactions and Societal Impact
The reactions from the public have been mixed. Some are rallying behind Gandhi’s allegations, feeling that it sheds light on a deeper erosion of democratic practices, while others view it as politically motivated rhetoric leading up to upcoming elections.
With elections looming, the integrity of the electoral process becomes paramount. Many citizens echo Gandhi’s sentiment, reflecting a strong desire for election fairness and transparency. According to recent studies, a significant percentage of the electorate believes that government bodies like the ECI need to ensure a more stringent safeguard against manipulation.
What’s Next for the Election Commission?
As the political landscape churns, the Election Commission finds itself at a crossroads. Facing increased scrutiny, it must act promptly to restore public trust. With Gandhi’s allegations circulating widely, the ECI’s forthcoming responses will be crucial in addressing these serious claims.
In his closing remarks, Gandhi assured his supporters that the unveiling of their evidence will soon follow. “This is not the ‘hydrogen bomb’ news I promised. That will come soon,” he stated, leaving many speculating about the future of his campaign against alleged electoral misconduct.
As the debate continues to heat up, the coming weeks will be pivotal not only for the Congress party but for the integrity of India’s electoral process itself.
