Rahul Gandhi Vows Action Against EC

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi escalated his criticism of the Election Commission (EC) on Monday, warning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi of strict action when the INDIA bloc forms the government. Speaking on the second day of his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, Gandhi accused the EC of enabling “vote chori” (vote theft) and undermining India’s Constitution.

Addressing a crowd at Khalees Park Chowk in Gaya Ji alongside allies Tejashwi Yadav (RJD), Dipankar Bhattacharya (CPI-ML Liberation), and Mukesh Sahani (Vikassheel Insan Party), Gandhi claimed the EC’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar is a “new form of vote theft.” He vowed to expose alleged rigging in every assembly and Lok Sabha constituency. “The whole country will demand an affidavit from the EC. Give us time, and we’ll uncover your theft everywhere,” he said.

Gandhi’s remarks followed a seven-day ultimatum from CEC Kumar, who on Sunday demanded a signed affidavit to substantiate Gandhi’s vote theft allegations, warning that without it, the claims would be deemed baseless. Gandhi countered, “The EC’s theft has been caught, and they’re asking me for an affidavit. They should explain their actions.”

Also Read: ‘One Person, One Vote Under Attack’: Rahul Targets SIR in Bihar

The yatra, which began in Sasaram on Sunday and moved through Aurangabad to Gaya Ji, aims to highlight alleged voter suppression. Gandhi met individuals whose names were reportedly removed from Bihar’s draft electoral rolls despite voting in previous elections. In Aurangabad, he shared a video of affected voters, stating, “Their votes were stolen, and the only response was an order from above.” He described SIR as a “new weapon” for vote manipulation, vowing to protect the “one person, one vote” principle.

Holding up a copy of the Constitution during rainfall, Gandhi declared, “This is Bharat Mata’s voice, crafted by Ambedkar, Gandhi, Patel, and Nehru. Stealing votes attacks the Constitution and Bharat Mata.” He warned the EC, “If you don’t do your job, there will be consequences when the INDIA bloc governs Bihar and Delhi.”

Gandhi directly addressed the commissioners, alleging they are aligned with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “It’s Modi’s government now, but when the INDIA bloc takes over, we will act against you for stealing votes from the nation,” he said, echoing Tejashwi Yadav’s claim that the EC operates as a BJP extension.

The Congress leader cited investigations in Maharashtra, Haryana, and a Karnataka assembly segment, claiming evidence of one lakh votes stolen in a single segment. He criticized the EC for dismissing his allegations without investigation and demanding an affidavit instead. “They know their theft was exposed in Maharashtra and Haryana, so they’ve introduced SIR in Bihar,” Gandhi alleged, asserting that Modi and the EC would fail to manipulate Bihar’s votes.

The EC’s response came after Gandhi and other opposition leaders raised concerns about electoral roll revisions in Bihar following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Kumar, flanked by Sandhu and Joshi, insisted on an affidavit or an apology, stating, “There is no third option.” Gandhi, however, doubled down, meeting affected voters in Sasaram and Aurangabad who claimed their names were deleted from voter lists despite past participation.

The Voter Adhikar Yatra reflects growing tensions between the opposition and the EC, with Gandhi framing the issue as a fight for the poor’s democratic rights. “We will not stop until vote theft is halted,” he said, signaling a continued campaign to challenge the EC’s credibility and protect electoral integrity in Bihar and beyond.

Also Read: Election Commission Rejects Rahul’s Charges, Demands Proof Fast