The Congress party is holding its 'Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod' rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan today, December 14, convened by president Mallikarjun Kharge and LoP Rahul Gandhi. The event escalates the party's nationwide campaign alleging serious flaws in electoral processes, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel called it a step toward a "decisive struggle," expecting massive turnout from across India. Party units report over 50,000 participants mobilized, with stages set for speeches starting at 11 AM.
Jharkhand Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh confirmed large contingents from all districts have reached Delhi, including allied organization members. From Jammu and Kashmir, over 1,000 leaders and workers arrived Saturday, flagged off by PCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra amid slogans demanding government resignation. Karra linked the rally to claimed voter list irregularities undermining democratic trust. Logistics include 200 buses from UP, Bihar, and Rajasthan, with security deploying 5,000 personnel around the 40-acre venue.
Congress MP KC Venugopal stated the rally forms a broader movement questioning Election Commission functioning, with over five crore signatures collected nationwide for submission to the President. The issue has dominated the ongoing winter Parliament session, triggering opposition walkouts. Venugopal highlighted street protests, like Youth Congress detentions in Lucknow on November 27 over SIR concerns. The party plans to present evidence of "vote chori" during key addresses by Gandhi and Kharge.
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The rally follows the Supreme Court's nod to continue SIR, advising acceptance of Aadhaar and ration cards for verification. Congress criticizes the process for potential disenfranchisement in border districts. Earlier this week, Lok Sabha saw heated exchanges between Rahul Gandhi and Home Minister Amit Shah, ending in opposition exit. Baghel emphasized consolidating public opinion against alleged manipulation in recent state polls.
BJP has dismissed the claims, defending SIR as essential for cleaning voter lists ahead of future elections. Congress projects the event—expected to draw 1 lakh attendees—as pivotal for safeguarding democracy. Preparations included virtual town halls reaching 10 million, with live streaming planned on party platforms. No disruptions reported as gates opened at 9 AM.
The demonstration signals Congress's intent to sustain agitation through 2026 polls, blending rallies with legal challenges. Venugopal confirmed coordination with INDIA bloc allies for joint statements. Ramlila Maidan, site of historic protests, hosts banners listing 10 alleged EC lapses. Weather forecasts predict clear skies, aiding the full-day program ending with a memorandum march.
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