Sachin Pilot Raises Concerns Over Voter Roll Deletions, Election Fairness

Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot delivered a scathing critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a rally at Green Park Ground in Mungeli Naka, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, alleging that the party is orchestrating “vote theft” to establish single-party rule and impose a singular ideological influence across India.

Highlighting the Congress’s “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod” campaign, led by Rahul Gandhi, Pilot claimed that lakhs of voters were removed from electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, undermining democratic principles. He announced that the Congress will intensify its protests with a signature campaign starting September 16 in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, to demand free and fair elections.

Pilot accused the BJP of weakening democratic institutions, specifically targeting changes to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) selection process. He noted that the panel, previously comprising the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, and Leader of the Opposition, now includes the Union Home Minister instead of the CJI, raising concerns about transparency.

“When we pose questions to the Election Commission, replies come from the BJP,” Pilot stated, warning that such actions threaten the integrity of India’s electoral system. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel echoed these concerns, criticizing the Election Commission’s silence on Gandhi’s allegations as evidence of bias.

Targeting the BJP-led Chhattisgarh government, Pilot highlighted unfulfilled promises, including one lakh jobs and subsidized gas cylinders at ₹500, and accused the administration of using agencies like the ED and CBI to harass Congress leaders. Joined by state Congress chief Deepak Baij, Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant, and former Deputy CM TS Singh Deo, Pilot emphasized that depriving citizens of their voting rights is a grave offense.

The Congress’s campaign aims to mobilize public support against alleged electoral malpractices, signaling a broader fight to protect democratic values amid growing tensions in Chhattisgarh and beyond.

Also Read: Chhattisgarh Sets March 2026 Deadline to End Naxal Threat

Also Read: Major Breakthrough: Four Maoists with Rs 19 Lakh Bounty Surrender in Chhattisgarh