Kharge Accuses ECI of Shielding Culprits in Voter Scam

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of deliberately obstructing a Karnataka CID investigation into widespread voter deletion in Aland assembly constituency. In a fiery post on X, Kharge questioned whether the ECI is shielding culprits involved in what he calls a "vote chori machinery" that threatens the core of India's democratic process.

Kharge’s remarks come alongside allegations from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who, during a press conference, accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of protecting those undermining democracy. Gandhi cited evidence suggesting systematic deletion of Congress supporters’ votes in Aland ahead of elections. He demanded the ECI provide critical information to the Karnataka CID within a week to aid their probe, which has been ongoing for 18 months.

"The Karnataka CID has sent 18 letters to the ECI over 18 months, seeking vital details to track those responsible for mass voter deletions in Aland," Kharge stated. "Yet, the ECI continues to stone-wall, withholding information that could expose the culprits. Who are they protecting? Is the BJP eroding the very institutions meant to safeguard our democracy?"

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Gandhi further alleged that such practices are part of a broader pattern of electoral manipulation, pointing to similar concerns in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura constituency, where he previously flagged "vote chori" through suspicious voter additions. "This is a wake-up call for India’s youth," Gandhi said. "Our elections are being rigged, and the ECI’s silence is deafening. The public deserves answers now."

Congress general secretary K C Venugopal echoed these sentiments on X, questioning how long Chief Election Commissioner Kumar would "run away" from accountability. "The evidence of vote chori is undeniable," Venugopal said. "The ECI’s refusal to cooperate with the CID’s 18 letters raises serious doubts about its impartiality. The country is watching, and we demand immediate action."

The controversy has sparked outrage, with Kharge urging citizens, particularly young voters, to question the integrity of India’s electoral system. "Can we afford a democracy where a 'vote chori factory' dismantles trust in our elections?" he asked. As the Karnataka CID continues its investigation, the ECI’s silence fuels speculation about political interference, leaving voters to wonder if their voices are truly being heard.

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