Veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI) today, accusing it of acting as an extension of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and failing to address serious allegations of “vote theft” raised by the opposition. Speaking at a book release event in Indore, Singh demanded that the ECI respond to claims of electoral irregularities instead of engaging in verbal sparring with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Singh’s remarks followed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s ultimatum earlier that day, which gave Gandhi seven days to submit a sworn affidavit backing his “vote chori” allegations from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections or have them deemed baseless. Gandhi had previously, on July 31, presented data at a press conference claiming over 1 lakh votes were “stolen” in a Karnataka assembly segment, with similar issues alleged in other states like Maharashtra.

“The ECI is functioning as an arm of the BJP,” Singh declared, emphasizing the need for transparent elections to safeguard democracy. He urged collective action at every polling booth to ensure fairness, alleging that fake voters had been registered in multiple states. Addressing reporters, Singh questioned why the ECI was dodging Gandhi’s evidence-based claims, stating, “Instead of trading barbs, the ECI should respond to the facts presented.”

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Singh also criticized the ECI’s reluctance to release a digital, machine-readable copy of nationwide electoral rolls, a key demand of opposition parties to address fake voter concerns. He further highlighted the ECI’s lack of transparency regarding the deletion of 65 lakh names from Bihar’s voter list, a process mandated by the Supreme Court to enhance clarity in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

During the event, Singh released a booklet by Congress national secretary Satyanarayan Patel, focusing on Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ and ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,’ underscoring the party’s commitment to public outreach. He also addressed internal Congress tensions over the newly announced district presidents’ list, urging unity: “Ambition is natural, but we must work as one team.”

Singh’s sharp critique amplifies the opposition’s ongoing battle with the ECI, as parties rally against perceived electoral manipulations ahead of Bihar’s assembly polls. The escalating feud underscores broader concerns about democratic integrity, with the Congress demanding accountability to ensure free and fair elections.

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