Warring Declares Punjab Will Expose Alleged Election Fraud by October 15

The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) has garnered nearly 8 lakh signatures in a statewide campaign targeting alleged "vote theft" by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as part of the national 'Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhor' movement, PPCC president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring announced on Friday. Aiming for 15 lakh forms by October 15, the drive—personally spearheaded by Warring—has tapped into widespread public skepticism over the 2024 Lok Sabha election results, where Narendra Modi secured a third term amid accusations of electoral irregularities. The campaign, echoing Congress's broader narrative of EVM tampering and institutional bias, seeks to pressure the central government by submitting the petitions to election authorities.

Warring, the Ludhiana MP, described the response as "phenomenal," noting that voters across Punjab grasped the "vote theft" concept without explanation, reflecting national disillusionment with Modi's mandate. "People now express strong doubts about his popularity," he said during a press briefing, attributing the surge to perceived collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission of India (ECI). He urged Punjabis to remain vigilant against similar manipulations in state polls, citing the BJP's "multiple ways and means" to undermine democracy.

This comes against the backdrop of the 2024 national elections, where the BJP-led NDA fell short of a majority, forcing reliance on allies, yet Congress alleges systemic fraud suppressed opposition gains.

The PPCC Chief extended his warnings to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, equating it with the BJP in tactics and intent. "For us, both are the same, and we treat both of them the same way," Warring asserted, dismissing AAP's governance as indistinguishable from national BJP strategies. Despite the campaign's national focus on BJP's alleged frauds, he vowed not to lower guards locally, especially with Punjab Assembly elections looming in 2027.

The BJP, which holds minimal sway in Punjab with just two MLAs, faces an uphill battle, but Warring cautioned against underestimating its "desperate" expansion efforts amid AAP's internal rifts and anti-corruption facade.

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As the October 15 deadline approaches, Warring rallied supporters to amplify collections, framing the drive as a grassroots revolt against electoral injustice. Launched in July 2024 post-Lok Sabha results, the 'Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhor' initiative—translating to "vote thief, vacate the seat"—has mobilized Congress workers nationwide, collecting over 2 crore signatures per party claims.

In Punjab, a Congress stronghold until AAP's 2022 sweep, the effort revives the party's base ahead of bypolls and civic polls, blending national grievances with state-specific appeals for fair play.

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