In a sharp political attack, Senior Congress Leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot accused the Election Commission (EC) of colluding with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the Bihar Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters in Jaipur on Friday, Gehlot claimed that large-scale distribution of cash and financial benefits took place while the model code of conduct was in effect, undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

Gehlot alleged that monetary inducements, including payments of Rs 10,000 to women, were disbursed even as the election campaign was ongoing. According to him, such actions violated established election rules and gave an unfair advantage to the ruling party. “It seems payments continued unabated during the campaign period, which never happens once the code of conduct comes into force,” Gehlot remarked.

Drawing comparisons with the Rajasthan Assembly elections of 2023, Gehlot said his government had immediately halted welfare disbursements, including mobile phone schemes and pensions, after the model code came into effect. “In Bihar, however, the Election Commission appeared to remain a silent spectator. It neither intervened nor took corrective action,” he added, suggesting deliberate negligence on the part of the poll panel.

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Raising concerns about democratic integrity, the veteran Congress leader claimed that the EC’s inaction amounted to “vote theft.” He alleged that widespread booth manipulation and unchecked money power had distorted electoral fairness. “When you fail to stop such irregularities, democracy itself is under threat,” he asserted, calling for stronger institutional safeguards and vigilance.

Gehlot further warned that the BJP’s extensive use of financial resources was eroding the foundations of free and fair elections. Emphasizing the need for political balance, he said India required Congress’s ideology to protect democratic values. Meanwhile, speaking about the ongoing Anta Assembly bypoll, Gehlot expressed optimism, stating that the Congress candidate was leading comfortably and heading toward victory.

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