'Modi-Shah Panicked': Bhupesh Baghel Alleges Massive Vote Theft
Congress leaders Bhupesh Baghel and Gaurav Gogoi accuse the BJP of electoral malpractice and panic over the upcoming November 1 rally in Delhi.
In a scathing attack on the ruling BJP, senior Congress leaders Bhupesh Baghel and Gaurav Gogoi have accused the central government of widespread electoral malpractice. During a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati, the leaders alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are "panicked" over the upcoming Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao rally scheduled for November 1 at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan.
Allegations of 'Victory of Theft'
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Assam Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel did not mince words, describing recent election outcomes as a "victory of theft" rather than a genuine democratic win. He claimed that the BJP-led government has engaged in systemic rigging and vote theft, an issue he asserts has now gained attention both nationally and internationally.
Baghel further alleged that the BJP's high-profile slogans, such as "Abki Baar 400 Paar," were merely a smokescreen designed to distract the public while a conspiracy to steal votes was carried out behind the scenes.
Panic Over the November 1 Rally
MP Gaurav Gogoi stated that an atmosphere of fear and frustration has gripped the BJP due to the opposition's planned gathering in the capital. According to Gogoi, while the Delhi Police had initially granted permission for the rally, the top leadership of the BJP became apprehensive about its potential political impact.
The Congress leadership believes the rally could draw lakhs of citizens and spark a nationwide conversation regarding electoral irregularities. Gogoi asserted that despite attempts to create obstacles for the programme, the Congress party remains committed to raising these issues.
Specific Claims of Electoral Manipulation
Bhupesh Baghel detailed several instances where he believes the democratic process was compromised:
- EVM Manipulation: He alleged that Electronic Voting Machines were manipulated in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
- Voter Roll Discrepancies: Baghel claimed that in Haryana and Maharashtra, voter registrations reportedly exceeded the actual adult population.
- Deletion of Voters: He alleged that lakhs of genuine voters had their names removed from electoral rolls in Bihar and West Bengal through Special Summary Revisions.
- Administrative Bias: He argued that control over administrative machinery and EVM infrastructure allows for the manipulation of outcomes to create landslide victories or hung assemblies as needed.
Atmosphere of Fear in Assam
Discussing the situation in Assam, Baghel referenced a review meeting on the Nagaon Lok Sabha bye-election and Silchar Municipal Board elections. He noted that party workers reported an environment of intimidation and fear during the polls.
Baghel recounted his own experiences while campaigning in Jagiroad, stating that workers were hesitant to organize public meetings due to alleged threats from local MLAs and ministers. He also recalled an incident involving the vandalism of vehicles and an attack on a Congress convoy while he was campaigning alongside Gaurav Gogoi and Wazed Ali Choudhury.
The Road Ahead
Gaurav Gogoi emphasized that the Congress party has decided to take this campaign to every corner of Assam. He mentioned that detailed deliberations have already begun among party leaders to strategize the next steps in their fight against alleged electoral irregularities.
When questioned about the effectiveness of challenging these irregularities, Baghel expressed concern that traditional safeguards might fail if the administrative apparatus continues to act in a partisan manner.