Escalating its battle against alleged electoral fraud, the Congress party has launched a bold online campaign urging citizens to register on a dedicated web portal to demand accountability from the Election Commission (EC) over what it terms "vote chori" (vote theft). The initiative, spearheaded by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accuses the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the EC of colluding to manipulate voter rolls, threatening the foundation of India’s democracy.
The portal, accessible to all, allows users to download purported "vote chori proof," report discrepancies, and demand EC transparency. It features a video of Gandhi reiterating claims of a "huge criminal fraud" in the 2024 elections, citing an analysis of voter rolls in Karnataka’s Bangalore Central constituency, where he alleges over 1 lakh fake voters secured a BJP victory. Gandhi has called this a “crime against the Constitution,” a charge echoed by the portal’s message: “The vote is the foundation of our democracy, but it’s under systematic attack by the BJP, with the Election Commission complicit.”
The campaign highlights concerns raised previously in Maharashtra, claiming that similar manipulations could affect 70-100 seats nationwide, potentially undermining free elections. Upon registering, users receive a personalized certificate, signed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, general secretary K.C. Venugopal, and treasurer Ajay Maken, declaring their opposition to “vote chori” and support for Gandhi’s demand for digital voter rolls. Registration is also available via a phone number and SMS link, amplifying the campaign’s reach. Congress leaders and supporters have actively shared these certificates on social media, fueling the movement.
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The EC has sharply rebuffed Gandhi’s allegations, labeling them “fake” and recycling claims dismissed by the Supreme Court. On Saturday, EC officials reiterated their demand for Gandhi to provide a signed declaration detailing specific voter list irregularities or issue a public apology. This follows heated exchanges over alleged vote theft in at least three states, including Maharashtra, where Gandhi claims the 2024 assembly election results were “stolen.”
As the Congress intensifies its campaign, including protests like the INDIA bloc’s rally at Parliament, the standoff with the EC underscores deep political divides. Will this push for digital voter rolls reshape India’s electoral integrity, or is it a political gambit?
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